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Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
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https://archive.org/details/cottageresidence00down_3 


DESIGN  XIV 


Residence  of  Mr.  Headi.ey,  near  Newburgh. 


Principal  Fluor. — Fig.  91. 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES; 


A SERIES  OF  DESIGNS 


RURAL  COTTAGES  AND  COTTAGE  VILLAS, 


AND  THEIR 


GARDENS  AND  GROUNDS 


ADAPTED  TO 


NORTH  AMERICA 


BY  A.  J.  DOWNING, 

4UTIIOR  OF  “TIU  ARCHITECTURE  OF  COUNTRY  HOUSES,'-  ETC. 


“ i long  for  the  preservation  of  those  pure,  simple,  holy  tastes,  which  have  led  our  countrymen, 
in  aU  ages,  to  delight  in  the  pleasant  fields,  in  the  pleasant  country  houses,  in  the  profound  peace 
ot  rol  le  woods  so  favorable  to  high  and  solemn  musings,  and  in  all  those  healthful  and  animating 
spo  is  and  pursuits  thut  belong  to  such  a life.” — Howiit. 


ILLUSTRATED  BY  NUMEROUS  ENGRAVINGS. 


JFour tfc  HTnUon,  3SUbfscti  an&  Xnuirobeii. 


NEW  YORK : 

JOHN  W I \ j E Y, 

5 G WALKER-STRKE  T . 

1863. 


Hate  red,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1852,  by 

A.  J.  DOWNING, 

In  the  Clerk’s  office  of  the  District  Court  for  the  Southern  District  of  New  York. 


X.  CRAIGHEAD,  PRINTER, 
Street,  Snc 


t 


/ 


PREFACE. 


A hearty  desire  to  contribute  something  to  the  improve- 
ment of  the  domestic  architecture  and  the  rural  taste  of  our 
country,  has  been  the  motive  which  has  influenced  me  in 
preparing  this  little  volume.  With  us,  almost  every  man  either 
builds,  or  looks  forward  to  building,  a home  for  himself,  at  some 
period  of  his  life  ; it  may  be  only  a log-hut,  or  a most  rustic  cot- 
tage, but  perhaps  also,  a villa,  or  a mansion.  As  yet,  however, 
our  houses  are  mostly  either  of  the  plainest  and  most  meagre 
description,  or,  if  of  a more  ambitious,  they  are  free  uently  of  a 
more  objectionable  character- — shingle  palaces,  of  very  ques- 
tionable convenience,  and  not  in  the  least  adapted  by  their 
domestic  and  rural  beauty,  to  harmonize  with  our  lovely  natural 
landscapes. 

Now  I am  desirous  that  every  one  who  lives  in  the  country, 
and  in  a country-house,  should  be  in  some  degree  conversant 
with  domestic  architecture,  not  only  because  it  will  be  likely  to 
improve  the  comfort  of  his  own  house,  and  hence  all  the  houses 
in  the  country,  but  that  it  will  enlarge  his  mind,  and  give  him 
new  sources  of  enjoyment. 

It  is  not  my  especial  object  at  this  moment,  to  dwell  upon  the 
superior  convenience  which  may  be  realized  in  our  houses,  by 
a more  familiar  acquaintance  with  architecture.  The  advan- 
tages of  an  ingeniously  arranged  and  nicely  adapted  plan,  over 
one  carelessly  and  ill-contrived,  are  so  obvious  to  every  one, 
that  they  are  self-evident.  'This  is  the  ground- work  of  domes- 
tic architecture,  the  great  importance  of  which  is  recognised 
by  all  mankind,  and  some  ingenuity  and  familiarity  with  practi- 
cal details  are  only  necessary  to  give  us  compact,  convenient, 


VI 


PREFACE. 


and  comfortable  bouses,  with  the  same  means  and  in  the  same 
space  as  the  most  awkward  and  unpleasing  forms. 

But  I am  still  more  anxious  to  inspire  in  the  minds  of  my 
readers  and  countrymen  livelier  perceptions  of  the  beautiful, 
in  everything  that  relates  to  our  houses  and  grounds.  I wish  to 
awaken  a quicker  sense  of  the  grace,  the  elegance,  or  the  pictu- 
resqueness of  fine  forms  that  are  capable  of  being  produced 
in  these,  by  Bural  Architecture  and  Landscape  Gardening — 
a sense  which  will  not  only  refine  and  elevate  the  mind,  but 
open  to  it  new  and  infinite  resources  of  delight.  There  are  per- 
haps a few  upon  whose  souls  nearly  all  emanations  of  beauty 
fall  impressionless  ; but  there  are  also  many  who  see  the  Beau- 
tiful, in  nature  and  art,  only  feebly  and  dimly,  either  from  the 
want  of  proper  media  through  which  to  view  her,  or  a little 
direction  as  to  where  she  is  to  be  found.  How  many,  too, 
are  there,  who  even  discover  the  Beautiful,  in  a picture,  or 
a statue,  who  yet  fail  to  admire  her,  rounding  with  lines  of 
grace,  and  touching  with  shades  of  harmony  all  common  nature, 
and  pervading  silently  all  material  forms  ! “ Men,”  says  Goethe, 

“are  so  inclined  to  content  themselves  with  what  is  commonest, 
so  easily  do  the  spirit  and  the  sense  grow  dead  to  the  impression 
of  the  Beautiful  and  the  Perfect,  that  every  person  should  strive 
to  nourish  in  his  mind  the  faculty  of  feeling  these  things,  by 
everything  in  his  power,  for  no  man  can  bear  to  be  wholly 
deprived  of  such  enjoyment;  it  is  only  because  they  are  not 
used  to  taste  of  what  is  excellent,  that  the  generality  of  people 
take  delight  in  silly  and  insipid  things,  provided  they  be  new. 
For  this  reason,  every  day  one  ought  to  see  a fine  picture,-  read 
a good  poem,  hear  a little  song,  and  if  it  were  possible,  to  speak 
a few  reasonable  words.” 

It  is  in  this  regard,  that  I wish  to  inspire  all  persons  with  a 
love  of  beautiful  forms,  and  a desire  to  assemble  them  around 
their  daily  walks  of  life.  I wish  them  to  appreciate  how  supe- 
rior is  the  charm  of  that  home  where  we  discover  the  tasteful 
cottage  or  villa,  and  the  well  designed  and  neatly  kept  garden 
or  grounds,  full  of  beauty  and  harmony, — not  the  less  beautiful 
and  harmonious,  because  simple  and  limited ; and  to  become 


WITH  SINCERE  REGARD 

TO 

ROBERT  DONALDSON,  ES 

OF  BLITHEWOOD,  ON  THE  HUDSON, 


Arbiter  Elegantiarum 


/ 


I 


CONTENTS 


ARCHITECTURAL  SUGGESTIONS. 

Leading  principles  of  domestic  architecture,  and  their  importance,  p.  9.  The 

frinciple  of  Utility  or  Fitness,  p.  2.  Value  of  a convenient  arrangement  p.  2. 
Afferent  wants  in  a cottage,  p.  4.  Labor-saving  fixtures,  p.  5.  The  mode  of 
construction,  and  materials  most  suitable,  p.  8.  Fitness  in  furniture,  p.  11.  The 
principle  of  Propriety,  or  Expression  of  Purpose,  p.  11.  Features  most  character- 
istic of  expression,  p.  12.  The  color  of  the  exterior  of  cottages,  p.  14.  Architec- 
ture as  an  art  of  taste  and  imagination,  17.  Beauty  of  form.  The  principle  of 
Unity,  p.  18.  Of  Uniformity  and  Symmetry,  p.  19.  Of  Harmony  and  Variety,  p. 
21.  Different  styles  in  architecture,  p.  21.  Relation  of  domestic  architecture,  p. 
22.  The  most  suitable  styles  for  this  country,  p.  24.  The  sentiment  of  architec- 
ture, p.  25. 


DESIGN  L 

A SUBURBAN  COTTAGE. 

Description  of  the  plan  of  the  house,  and  its  internal  arrangements,  p.  27 
Remarks  on  its  external  effect,  p.  30.  Details  of  construction,  p.  31.  Chimneys 
should  be  placed  in  the  inner  walls,  p.  32.  Estimate,  p.  32.  Laying  out  the 
garden,  p.  33.  List  of  creepers  for  a trellis,  p.  34.  Choice  fruits  for  the  kitchen 
garden,  p.  35.  Training  them  to  a trellis,  p.  36.  The  ornamental  portion,  p.  37. 
Sweet-scented  shrubs  to  be  planted  near  the  windows,  p.  38.  Border  flowers,  p. 
40.  Care  necessary  to  keep  the  whole  in  order,  p.  41. 


DESIGN  II. 


A COTTAGE  IN  THE  ENGLISH,  OR  RURAL  GOTHIC  STYLE. 


Object  in  view  in  arranging  the  interior,  p.  42.  Explanation  of  the  plans,  p. 
43.  Beauty  of  this  style  of  cottage,  p.  45.  Introduction  of  the  veranda,  p.  45. 
The  chimney-tops,  p.  46.  Construction  and  details,  p.  46.  Estimate,  p.  48. 
Laying  out  the  gai  len,  p.  49.  Trees  to  be  introduced;  disposing  the  kitchen- 
garden,  p.  51. 


X 


CONTENTS. 


DESIGN  III. 

A COTTAGE  IN  THE  POINTED,  OR  TUDOR  STYLE. 


The  situation,  p.  53.  Size  of  the  cottage  suited  to  the  generality  of  wants  it 
this  country,  p.  54.  Arrangement  of  the  principal  floor,  p.  54.  Of  the  second 
floor,  p.  58.  Of  the  basement,  p.  59.  Degree  of  decoration  to  be  employed. 
The  proper  materials,  p.  60.  Introduction  of  Shutters,  p.  62.  Finish  of  the  inte 
rior,  p.  62.  Details  of  the  exterior,  p.  63.  The  dumb  waiter  described,  p.  63. 
Estimate,  p.  66.  Arrangement  of  the  grounds,  p.  66.  Sunk  fence,  or  ha-ha,  p. 
69.  Trees  most  in  keeping  with  the  place,  70.  Preparation  of  the  soil  for 
planting  trees,  p.  71.  Arrangement  of  trees  in  the  natural  style  of  landscape 
gardening,  and  what  constitutes  the  art,  p.  72.  Flower  beds,  p.  73.  List  of  the 
finest  hardy  ornamental  trees  of  foreign  and  native  growth,  suitable  for  planting 
in  groups  and  masses,  p.  74.  List  of  42  choice  fruit  trees,  for  the  orchard  of  this 
design,  p.  80. 


DESIGN  IT. 

AN  ORNAMENTAL  FARM-HOUSE. 


Aim  in  this  design,  p.  81.  Reasons  why  a farmer’s  house  should  be  tasteful, 
p.  82.  Description  of  the  first  floor  plan,  p.  83.  Of  the  second  floor,  p.  84. 
Why  the  Rural  Gothic  style  is  adopted,  p.  84.  The  material  considered,  p.  85. 
Details  of  construction  and  the  estimate,  p.  86.  The  Ferme  Ornee,  or  ornamental 
portion  of  the  farm,  p.  86.  Trees  to  be  employed  for  ornament,  p.  89.  The  intro- 
duction of  hedges,  and  the  best  plants  for  this  purpose,  p.  90.  Rendering  fences 
ornamental  by  creepers,  p.  90.  Harmonizing  the  adjacent  portions  of  the  farm ; 
list  of  apples  for  the  orchard,  p.  91. 


DESIGN  V. 

A COTTAGE  VILLA  IN  THE  BRACKETTED  MODE. 


Bold  character  of  this  mode  of  building : Its  adaptation  to  this  country  and  to 
the  South,  p.  92.  The  plan  of  the  principal  floor,  p.  93.  Superior  effect  of  one 
large  apartment  for  the  drawing-room,  p.  94.  The  second  floor,  and  the  base- 
ment arrangement,  p.  95.  Variation  of  this  design  as  constructed  in  wood,  p. 
96.  Details;  the  chimney  and  porch,  99.  The  brackets  and  siding,  p.  99. 
Construction  of  the  water-closet,  p.  100.  Estimate,  p.  101.  Laying  out  the 
ground,  p.  102.  The  ornamental  portions,  the  kitchen  and  fruit  gardens,  p. 

104.  Hints  for  the  detached  green-house,  p.  104.  Treatment  of  the  hill  in  the 
rear,  p.  105.  Preparation  and  treatment  necessary  to  produce  a fine  lawn,  p. 

105.  The  flower-beds  cut  in  the  turf,  and  reasons  why  this  is  a superior  me- 
thod of  arranging  them,  p.  107.  Treatment  of  the  long  flower  borders,  p.  109. 
List  of  perennial  border  flowers,  arranged  according  to  their  height,  and  period 
of  blooming,  p.  110. 


PREFACE. 


Vli 


aware  that  these  superior  forms,  and  the  higher  and  more 
refined  enjoyment  derived  from  them,  may  be  had  at  the  same 
cost  and  with  the  same  labor  as  a clumsy  dwelling,  and  its 
uncouth  and  ill  designed  accessories. 

More  than  all,  I desire  to  see  these  sentiments  cherished 
for  their  pure  moral  tendency.  “All  beauty  is  an  outward 
expression  of  inward  good,”  and  so  closely  are  the  Beautiful 
and  the  True  allied,  that  we  shall  find,  if  we  become  sincere 
lovers  of  the  grace,  the  harmony,  and  the  loveliness  with  which 
rural  homes  and  rural  life  are  capable  of  being  invested,  that 
we  are  silently  opening  our  hearts  to  an  influence  which  is 
higher  and  deeper  than  the  mere  symbol ; and  that  if  we  thus 
worship  in  the  true  spirit,  we  shall  attain  a nearer  view  of  the 
Great  Master,  whose  words,  in  all  his  material  universe,  are 
written  in  lines  of  Beauty. 

And  how  much  happiness,  how  much  pure  pleasure,  that 
strengthens  and  invigorates  our  best  and  holiest  affections, 
is  there  not  experienced,  in  bestowing  upon  our  homes  some- 
thing of  grace  and  loveliness — in  making  the  place  dearest 
to  our  hearts  a sunny  spot,  where  the  social  sympathies  take 
shelter  securely  under  the  shadowy  eaves,  or  grow  and  entwine 
trustfully  with  the  tall  trees  or  wreathed  vines  that  cluster 
around,  as  if  striving  to  shut  out  whatever  of  bitterness  or  strife 
may  be  found  in  the  open  highways  of  the  world.  What 
an  unfailing  barrier  against  vice,  immorality,  and  bad  habits, 
are  those  tastes  which  lead  us  to  embellish  a home,  to  which  at 
all  times  and  in  all  places  we  turn  with  delight,  as  being  the 
object  and  the  scene  of  our  fondest  cares,  labors,  and  enjoy- 
ments ; whose  humble  roof,  whose  shady  porch,  whose  verdant 
lawn  and  smiling  flowers,  all  breathe  forth  to  us,  in  true,  earnest 
tones,  a domestic  feeling,  that  at  once  purifies  the  heart,  and 
binds  us  more  closely  to  our  fellow  beings. 

In  this  volume,  the  first  yet  published  in  this  country  devoted 
to  Bural  Architecture,  I am  conscious  of  offering  but  a slight 
and  imperfect  contribution  to  this  important  subject,  which 
I trust  will  be  the  precursor  of  more  varied  and  complete  works 
from  others,  adapted  to  our  peculiar  wants  and  climate.  The 


Vlll 


PREFACE. 


very  great  interest  now  beginning  to  manifest  itself  in  rural 
improvements  of  every  kind,  leads  us  to  believe  and  to  hope, 
that  at  no  distant  day  our  country  residences  may  rival  the 
“ cottage  homes  of  England,”  so  universally  and  so  justly 
admired. 

The  relation  between  a country  house  and  its  “surround- 
ings,” has  led  me  to  consider,  under  the  term  residences,  both 
the  architectural  and  the  gardening  designs.  To  constitute 
an  agreeable  whole,  these  should  indeed  have  a harmonious  cor- 
respondence, one  with  the  other  ; and  although  most  of  the  fol- 
lowing designs  have  not  actually  been  carried  into  execution, 
yet  it  is  believed  that  they  will,  either  entirely  or  in  part, 
be  found  adapted  to  many  cases  of  every  day  occurrence,  or  at 
leas',  furnish  hints  for  variations  suitable  for  peculiar  circum- 
stances and  situations. 

A.  J D. 


Newburgh , N.  Y.,  June , 1842. 


CONTENTS. 


DESIGN  XV. 

A CARRIAGE-HOUSE  AND  STABLE  IN  TIIE  RUSTIC  POINTED  STYLE. 

Exterior  composition,  picturesque  and  characteristic,  p.  186.  Arrangement  of 
the  stable,  <fce.,  p.  187.  Construction  and  cost,  p.  187. 


FURTHER  HINTS  ON  THE  GARDENS  AND  GROUNDS  OF  COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


Arrangement  of  the  smallest  grounds:  Two  ways  of  laying  out  even  the  smallest 
flower  garden,  p.  189.  Flower  gardens  of  beds  and  walks:  Flower  gardens  sur- 
rounded by  turf,  p.  189.  Selection  of  plants  necessary  in  the  latter,  p.  189. 
Advantages  of  employing  only  ever-blooming  dwarf  plants  and  China  Roses,  p.  190. 
The  soil  of  flower  gardens,  p.  191.  The  parterre — different  examples,  p.  192. 
Plan  of  Baron  Hugel’s  garden,  p.  194.  Arrangement  of  the  flowers,  p.  195.  Geo- 
metrical flower  garden,  p.  197.  Elizabethan  flower  garden,  p.  198.  Selection  of 
suitable  plants,  p.  199.  Labyrinth  in  the  ancient  style,  p.  200.  Original  design  for 
a flower  garden  and  lawn  combined,  p.  201.  Examples  of  the  mode  of  laying  out 
small  places  in  the  French  style,  p.  203.  Plan  for  the  grounds  of  two  small 
adjoining  cottages,  p.  205.  Landscape  garden  of  an  acre  in  the  German  style, 
p.  20fi  Example  in  the  English  style,  p.  207.  Original  design  for  the  grounds  of 
a suburban  residence,  p.  208.  Essential  elements  of  the  beautiful  in  laying  out  all 
places  of  moderate  size,  p.  209. 


ADDENDA. 

Remarks  on  building  by  contract : Disappointments  that  occur  in  the  cost  of 
building,  p.  211.  How  to  remedy  them  by  careful  plans  and  specifications,  p.  212. 
Economy  and  advantage  of  employing  the  best  architects,  p.  214.  Architectural 
iharges,  p.  215. 


CONTENTS. 


XI 


DESIGN  VI. 

AN  IRREGULAR  VILLA  IN  THE  ITALIAN  STYLE,  BRACKETTED. 

Beauty  of  irregularity  in  buildings,  and  reasons  why  an  irregular  design  will  be 
disliked  by  some,  and  greatly  preferred  by  others,  p.  117.  Elegant  domestic 
features  of  the  Italian  style,  p.  118.  The  accommodation  of  the  principal  floor 
of  this  design,  p.  118.  Of  the  chamber  floor,  p.  119.  Trees  in  keeping  with  the 
style,  p.  120.  Construction,  p.  120.  Estimate,  121.  Laying  out  the  grounds,  p. 
121.  Natural  character  of  the  situation,  and  the  way  in  which  it  should  be 
treated,  p.  122.  Advantages  of  walks  made  in  natural  woods,  p.  123.  The  im- 
portance of  studying  the  natural  expression  of  the  place,  and  of  making  our  im- 
provements harmonize  with  it,  p.  124.  The  orchard  and  fruit  garden,  p.  125. 
List  of  the  finest  varieties  of  fruit,  p.  126.  Hints  for  their  cultivation,  and  for 
securing  them  against  insects,  p.  129. 


DESIGN  VIL 

AN  IRREGULAR  COTTAGE  IN  THE  OLD  ENGLISH  STYLE. 


Character  of  the  old  English  cottage,  and  reasons  why  it  should  only  be  built 
in  appropriate  situations,  p.  131.  Domestic  expression,  the  characteristic  of  this 
style,  p.  132.  Examination  of  the  interior,  p.  132.  Fitting  up  and  furnishing,  p. 
133.  Plan  of  the  chamber  story,  p.  134.  Construction  and  details,  p.  136.  Care 
necessary  in  executing  a design  of  this  kind,  p.  137.  Estimate,  p.  138.  Laying 
out  the  grounds,  p.  138.  Mode  of  thinning  out  a wooded  surface,  p.  140.  Ma- 
nagement of  the  walks,  p.  141.  An  irregular  flower  garden,  p.  141.  A cottage  in 
the  same  style,  suitable  as  a gate  lodge  to  this  residence,  or  for  a small  family, 
p.  143.  Beauty  of  vines  and  climbing  plants  on  cottages,  p.  144. 


DESIGN  VIIL 

A VILLA  IN  THE  ITALIAN  STYLE. 


Grecian  and  Italian  architecture  compared ; characteristic  quality  of  the  latter, 
p.  145.  Situation  suitable  for  this  villa.  The  terrace ; its  beauty  and  utility ; 
union  between  the  house  and  grounds,  p.  146;  exterior  features,  p.  147  ; of  the 
second  floor,  p.  148.  Comparative  cost,  and  the  facility  of  making  additions  to 
buildings  in  the  Italian  style,  p.  149.  Construction  and  details,  p.  150.  Estimate, 
p.  151.  Arrangement  of  the  grounds,  p.  151.  The  architectural  flower  garden 
described,  p.  152.  Elegant  effect  of  vases,  etc.,  in  connexion  with  garden  scenery, 
p.  154.  Pedestals  for  vases,  155.  Details  of  the  garden;  construction  and  supply 
of  the  fountain,  p.  156. 


DESIGN  IX 

COTTAGE  IN  THE  ITALIAN,  OR  TUSCAN  STYLE. 

Desciiption  of  this  cottage;  the  principal  floor,  p.  158.  The  second  floor  and 


xi] 


CONTENTS. 


basement  accommodation,  p.  159.  Arrangement  of  the  ground,  Ivith  a view  to 
combine  utility  and  beauty,  p.  160.  rlhe  orchard  and  kitclu.-r.  garden,  p.  16L 
Attached  conservatory,  p.  166. 


DESIGN  X. 

A VILLA  IN  TIIE  GOTHIC,  OR  POINTED  STYLE. 


Character  of  the  exterior,  p.  165.  Complete  interior  arrangement,  p.  166. 
The  dining,  drawing-room  and  library,  and  other  apartments,  of  the  principal 
floor,  p.  167.  The  second  floor  and  basement  accommodation,  p.  167.  Estimate, 
p.  168.  Arrangement  of  the  grounds;  treatment  of  the  approach,  p.  168.  Care 
and  judgment  necessary  in  opening  a wooded  surface,  p.  171. 


DESIGN  XL 

A COTTAGE  FOR  A COUNTRY  CLERGYMAN. 

Actual  wants  of  a country  clergyman,  p.  173.  Description  of  the  plan  suggested, 
p.  175.  Plan  of  the  second  floor,  p.  176.  Effect  of  rustic  trellis  wtrk  covered 
with  vine,  p.  177. 


DESIGN  X I L 

A VILLA  IN  TIIE  ELIZABETHAN  STYLE. 

Criticism  on  the  plan,  p.  178.  Improvements  suggested,  p.  179.  Construction 
and  estimate,  p.  180. 


DESIGN  XIII. 

A SMALL  COTTAGE  FOR  A TOLL-GATE  HOUSE. 

Best  position  for  a building  of  this  kind  with  reference  to  the  gate,  p.  181. 
Plan,  construction,  and  estimate,  p.  182.  Gate-house  of  stone  in  a massive  simple 
style,  p.  183. 


DESIGN  X I Y. 

A COT! AGE  IN  THE  RHINE  STYLE. 

The  residence  of  J.  T.  Headley,  Esq.  Style  in  keeping  with  the  Hudson  High- 
lands, p.  184.  Plan  of  the  principal  floor,  p.  184;  of  the  chamber  floor,  p 1$5. 
Cost  of  construction,  p.  185. 


A 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


ARCHITECTURAL  SUGGESTIONS. 

“ True  Taste  is  an  excellent  economist.  She  confines  her  choice  to  few  objects, 
and  delights  to  produce  great  effects  by  small  means  ; while  False  Taste  is  for  ever 
sighing  after  the  new  and  rare  ; and  reminds  us,  in  her  works,  of  the  scholar  of 
Apelles  who,  not  being  able  to  paint  his  Helen  beautiful,  determined  to  make 
her  fine.” 


There  are  certain  leading  principles  connected  with  archi- 
tecture, which  earnestly  demand  onr  attention  on  the  very 
threshold  of  the  subject.  In  an  indefinite  manner  they  are, 
perhaps,  acknowledged  by  all  intelligent  minds,  hut  they  are 
only  distinctly  and  clearly  understood  by  those,  who,  having 
analysed  the  expressions  or  characters  inherent  in  various 
forms  and  modes  of  building,  have  traced  the  impressions 
derived,  whether  of  utility  or  beauty,  to  their  proper  origin. 
When  the  mind  has  arrived  at  this  point,  the  satisfaction  it 
enjoys  in  an  admirable  work,  is  proportionably  greater  ; in  the 
same  manner  (though  in  less  degree)  as  the  “ devout  astrono- 
mer” enjoys,  with  a far  more  intelligent  and  fervent  rapture, 
his  starry  gaze,  than  the  ignorant  eye  that  sees  only  a myriad 
of  lights  hung  above  to  dispel  the  gloom  of  midnight. 

1 


2 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


As  the  first  object  of  a dwelling  is  to  afford  a shelter  to  man, 
the  first  principle  belonging  to  architecture  grows  out  of  this 
primary  necessity,  and  it  is  called  the  principle  Of  Fitness  or 
usefulness.  After  this,  man  naturally  desires  to  give  some 
distinctive  cnaracter  to  his  own  habitation,  to  mark  its  supe- 
riority to  those  devoted  to  animals.  This  gives  rise  to  the 
principle  of  Expression  of  Purpose.  Finally,  the  love  of  the 
beautiful,  inherent  in  all  finer  natures,  and  its  exhibition  in 
certain  acknowledged  forms,  has  created  the  principle  of  the 
Expression  of  Style.  In  other  words,  all  these  principles  may 
be  regarded  as  sources  of  beauty  in  domestic  architecture  ; 
Fitness  being  the  beauty  of  utility ; Expression  of  purpose, 
the  beauty  of  propriety  ; and  Expression  of  Style,  the  beaut/y 
of  form  and  sentiment , wThich  is  the  highest  in  the  scale. 
We  shall  say  a few  words  in  illustration  of  our  ideas  on  each 
particular  division. 

Fitness , or  use,  is  the  first  principle  to  be  considered  in  all 

t 

buildings.  Those  indeed  who  care  very  little  for  any  other 
character  in  a dwelling,  generally  pride  themselves  upon  the 
amount  of  convenience  they  have  been  able  to  realize  in  it; 
and  nothing  could  be  in  worse  taste  than  to  embellish  or 
decorate  a dwelling-house  which  is  wanting  in  comfort,  since 
the  beautiful  is  never  satisfactory  when  not  allied  to  the  true. 

In  a dwelling-house,  our  every  day  comfort  is  so  entirely 
dependent  on  a convenient  arrangement  of  the  rooms,  or  plan 
of  the  interior,  that  this  is  universally  acknowledged  to  be  the 
most  important  consideration.  To  have  the  principal  rooms  or 
apartments  situated  on  the  most  favorable  side  of  the  house 
with  regard  to  aspect,  in  order  that  they  may  be  light,  warm, 
or  airy,  and,  in  respect  to  view,  that  they  may  command  the 


COTTifGE  RESIDENCES. 


3 


finest  prospects,  are  desiderata  in  every  kind  of  dwelling.  In 
all  cli  nates  the  stormy  quarters  are  the  worst  aspects,  and  the 
fair  weather  quarters  the  best  ones.  Thus,  in  the  middle 
states,  a south-west  aspect  (all  other  things  being  equal)  is  the 
best  for  the  finer  rooms,  and  a north-east  the  most  disagreeable. 
In  hot  climates,  a north  exposure  may  be  agreeable  on  account 
of  its  coolness,  but  in  all  temperate  latitudes,  a southern  one  is 
more  desirable  for  the  entire  year. 

In  arranging  the  different  apartments  of  a cottage  or  villa, 
great  variations  will  naturally  arise  out  of  the  peculiar  circum- 
stances, mode  of  living,  or  individual  wants  of  the  family 
by  whom  it  is  to  be  inhabited.  Thus,  a small  family  living  a 
secluded  life,  or  one  composed  of  infirm  persons,  would  prefer 
to  have  their  sleeping  apartments,  their  kitchen,  and  other 
conveniences,  on  the  same  floor  with  the  parlor  or  living  room, 
even  at  the  expense  of  one  or  two  handsome  rooms,  for  the 
sake  of  the  greater  convenience  in  conducting  domestic  affairs, 
and  the  greater  ease  and  comfort  thereby  realized.  On  the 
other  hand,  a family  fond  of  social  intercourse,  and  accustomed 
to  entertain,  would  greatly  prefer,  in  a cottage  or  villa  of 
moderate  size,  to  have  several  handsome  apartments,  as  a 
drawing-room,  library,  dining-room,  etc.,  occupying  almost 
exclusively  the  principal  floor,  placing  the  kitchen  and  its 
offices  in  the  basement,  and  the  bed-rooms  in  the  second  story. 
This  arrangement  would  perhaps  be  less  convenient  in  a few 
respects  for  the  family,  but  it  would  be  more  elegant  and  more 
satisfactory  for  the  kind  of  residence  intended — each  depart- 
ment of  the  house  being  complete  in  itself,  and  intruding  itself 
but  little  on  the  attention  of  the  family  or  guests  when  not 
required  to  be  visible,  which  is  the  ideal  of  domestic  accommo 


4 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


dation.  A kitchen  on  the  first  floor  has  the  advantage  of 
being  more  accessible,  and  more  completely  under  the  surveil- 
lance of  the  mistress  of  the  house,  but,  on  the  other  hand,  it  is 
open  to  the  objection  of  being  occasionally  offensive  in  the 
matter  of  sound,  sight,  and  smells ; unless,  in  the  case  of  large 
houses,  where  these  may  be  excluded  by  long  passages  and 
double  doors.  Some  families  have  a literary  taste,  and  to 
them  a library  would  be  an  indispensable  apartment,  while 
others,  caring  less  for  books,  would  in  the  same  space  prefer  a 
bed-room.  We  mention  these  circumstances  to  show  in  what 
a relative  sense  the  term  fitness,  as  regards  accommodation, 
must  be  used,  and  how  many  peculiar  circumstances  must  be 
considered  before  we  can  pronounce  decidedly  upon  the  merits 
or  demerits  of  a plan.  What  may  be  entirely  fit  and  con- 
venient for  one,  would  be  considered  quite  unsuitable  for 
another.  Hence  the  great  difficulty  of  arranging  plans  exactly 
to  suit  all  wants.  And  hence  the  importance  to  all  persons, 
and  especially  ladies,  who  understand  best  the  principle  of 
convenience,  of  acquiring  some  architectural  knowledge. 
There  are  doubtless  many  desiring  to  build  a cottage,  who 
will  find  no  one  of  the  plans  hereafter  submitted  precisely 
what  they  want,  and  this  will  be  found  to  arise  mainly  from 
their  having  certain  peculiar  wants  growing  out  of  their  habits 
or  position,  for  which  no  artist,  not  familiar  with  these,  could 
possibly  provide. 

There  are  some  rules  of  fitness,  of  nearly  universal  applica- 
tion. Thus  a dining-room  should  obviously  have  connected 
with  it,  either  a pantry  or  a large  closet,  or  both ; and  it  should 
be  so  placed  as  to  afford  easy  ingress  and  egress  to  and 
from  the  kitchen.  The  drawing-room,  parlor,  or  finest  apart 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


5 


Bient,  should  look  out  on  the  most  beautiful  view,  either  over 
a distant  prospect,  if  there  be  such,  or,  if  not,  upon  the  fine 
home  landscape  of  trees,  lawn,  or  flower-garden.  A library 
may  occupy  a more  secluded  position,  and  requires  less 
attention  to  outward  circumstances,  as  the  materiel  from 
whence  it  dispenses  enjoyment  is  within  itself.  Again,  there 
are  other  minor  points  more  generally  understood,  which  may 
be  considered  under  this  principle,  and  to  which  we  need 
scarcely  allude.  Among  these  are  the  construction  of  proper 
drains  to  the  kitchen  and  basement,  the  introduction  of  water 
pipes,  cisterns,  etc.  A bathing  room  requires  little  space, 
and  may  be  easily  constructed  in  any  cottage,  and.  its  great 
importance  to  health  renders  it  a most  desirable  feature  in  all 
our  houses.  ISTo  dwelling  can  be  considered  complete  which 
has  not  a water-closet  under  its  roof,  though  the  expense  may 
yet  for  some  time  prevent  their  general  introduction  into  small 
cottages. 

In  a country  like  ours,  where  the  population  is  comparatively 
sparse,  civil  rights  equal,  and  wages  high,  good  servants  or 
domestics  are  comparatively  rare,  and  not  likely  to  retain  their 
places  for  a long  time.  The  maximum  of  comfort,  therefore, 
is  found  to  consist  in  employing  the  smallest  number  of 
servants  actually  necessary.  This  may  be  greatly  facilitated  by 
having  all  the  apartments  conveniently  arranged  with  reference 
to  their  various  uses,  and  still  further  by  introducing  certain 
kinds  of  domestic  labor-saving  apparatus  to  lessen  the  amount 
of  service  required,  or  to  render  its  performance  easy.  Among 
those  which  we  would,  from  experience,  especially  recommend 
for  cottages,  are  the  rising  cupboard  or  dumb  waiter,  the 
speaking  tube,  and  the  rotary  pump. 


6 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


The  rising  cupboard  is  only  required  in  the  case  of  a base 
ment  kitchen,  and  in  this  instance,  it  will  be  found  to  render 
the  labor  of  carrying  the  dinner  to  and  from  the  kitchen  much 
easier  than  that  experienced  in  bringing  it  from  a kitchen  on 
the  same  floor,  with  less  risk  of  broken  china  or  dishes.  The 
unsightly  appearance  of  a cupboard  rising  through  the  floor  in 
a corner  of  the  dining-room,  is  obviated  by  having  it  enclosed 
by  a fixed  case,  like  a small  side-board,  and  its  construction  wre 
shall  showr  hereafter. 

Speaking  tubes  are  merely  common  tin  tubes  one  and  a half 
inches  in  diameter,  terminated  by  mouth-pieces,  one  of  which 
is  in  the  kitchen,  the  other  in  the  desired  apartment.  They 
will  usually  only  be  required  in  twTo  rooms,  viz.  the  dining- 
room and  the  family  bedroom,  and  in  constructing  the  house 
they  may  be  introduced  and  led  through  the  partitions  at  a 
very  trifling  cost.  They  save  much  time  and  labor,  as  by  their 
aid  wre  may  be  able  to  communicate  our  wants  in  a whisper 
from  the  chamber  floor  to  the  kitchen,  and  have  them  answered 
with  less  loss  of  time  than  would  be  required  by  the  ordinary 
use  of  the  bell  only,  to  bring  the  servant  to  our  room  to  learn 
our  wishes. 

The  rotary  pump  may  be  considered  as  supplying  the  place 
in  a cottage  of  the  extensive  arrangement  of  water  pipes 
introduced  in  the  best  mansions  for  supplying  the  upper  or 
chamber  story  with  water.  A rotary  pump,  placed  in  .some 
convenient  position  in  the  hall  of  the  chamber  floor  of  a 
cottage,  and  communicating  by  a leaden  pipe  with  a cistern 
outside,  may  be  said  to  place  an  abundant  supply  of  Avater 
W1' thiri.  a few  steps  of  every  bedroom  in  that  story.  This,  it  is 
evident,  will  save  mu4  labor  in  carrying  water  daily,  to  say 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


4 


nothing  of  the  comfort  of  having  a fresh  supply  within  reach 
at  any  moment.  The  introduction  of  a complete  set  of  water 
pipes  in  a house  is  expensive,  and  to  keep  them  in  repair  is  a 
considerable  additional  tax,  but  the  comparative  cheapness 
and  efficiency  of  the  rotary  pump  (which  is  the  neatest  and 
most  complete  apparatus)  render  it,  or  something  of  this  same 
description,  an  almost  indispensable  convenience  in  a cottage 
of  more  than  one  story. 

The  universally  acknowledged  utility  of  closets,  renders  it 
unnecessary  for  us  to  say  anything  to  direct  attention  to  them 
under  this  head.  In  the  principal  story,  a pantry  or  closets  are 
a necessary  accompaniment  to  the  dining  or  living  room, 
but  are  scarcely  required  in  connexion  with  any  of  the  other 
apartments.  Bedrooms  always  require  at  least  one  closet  to 
each,  and  more  will  be  found  convenient.  One,  or  sometimes 
two,  may  always  be  provided,  in  a chamber  having  a fire- 
place, by  enclosing  the  space  on  one  side  of  the  chimney- 
breast,  and  in  all  cottage  villas  or  villas  of  good  size,  one  or 
two  bedrooms  should  be  provided  with  dressing-rooms  attached, 
which  will  be  found  to  add  greatly  to  the  real  comfort  of  the 
apartment.  Some  persons,  however,  have  such  a passion  for 
closets,  that  they  not  unfrequently  destroy  all  the  merit  of 
a plan,  by  cutting  up  the  interior  so  as  to  afford  them  in 
abundance.  A plan  of  very  moderate  size  will  perhaps  only 
afford  a few  rooms  of  good  size  and  proportion,  which  would 
be  injured  or  destroyed  by  cutting  off  many  closets.  It  is  far 
better  to  substitute  wardrobes,  or  movable  closets,  than  thus 
to  sacrifice  all  space,  and  elegance  of  arrangement,  to  con- 
venience. 

The  mode  of  construction,  and  the  materials  employed,  are 


8 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


also  comprised  under  tlie  head  of  fitness.  In  this  country, 
from  the  great  abundance  and  cheapness  of  wood,  it  has,  until 
within  a few  years,  been  almost  the  only  material  employed  in 
constructing  country  houses : but  as  timber  has  grown  scarcer 
in  the  forest,  it  has  also  become  dearer,  until,  in  many  parts 
of  the  Atlantic  States,  stone  or  brick  is  equally  economical. 
Wood  is  acknowledged  by  all  architects  to  be  the  worst 
material  for  building,  and  should  never  be  employed  when  it 
is  in  the  power  of  the  builder  to  use  any  other.  Its  want  of 
durability,  the  expense  of  painting  it  and  keeping  it  in  repair, 
and  its  frailness  and  liability  to  decay  by  the  action  of  the 
weather,  are  all  very  serious  objections  to  it  as  a material  for 
dwelling-houses.  A cottage  of  wood  is,  from  the  thinness  of 
the  exterior,  necessarily  warmer  in  summer,  and  colder  in 
winter,  than  one  built  of  more  solid  materials.  Filling-in  with 
brick  decreases  this  objection,  but  does  not  entirely  remove  it. 
In  point  of  taste,  a house  built  of  wood  strikes  us  the  least 
agreeably,  as  our  pleasure  in  beholding  a beautiful  form  is 
marred  by  the  idea  of  the  frailness  of  the  material  composing 
that  form.  We  are  aware  that  the  almost  universal  prevalence 
of  wooden  country  houses  in  the  United  States  has  weakened 
this  impression,  but  the  strength  with  which  it  strikes  an 
European,  accustomed  to  solidity  and  permanence  in  a dwell- 
ing, is  the  best  proof  of  the  truth  of  our  remark.  And  even  in 
this  country,  the  change  of  feeling  which  is  daily  taking  place 
on  this  subject,  shows  very  plainly  in  how  little  estimation 
wood  will  be  held  as  a building  material,  compared  with  brick 
or  stone,  by  the  next  generation. 

Brick  is  the  next  best  material  to  wood,  and  is  every  day 
coming  into  more  general  use.  The  walls  formed  of  it,  if  well 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


constructed,  have  a solidity  and  permanence  appropriate  for  a 
country  house,  and  requiring  little  cost  to  keep  it  in  repair. 
The  offensive  hue  of  red  brick  walls  in  the  country  is  easily 
removed  by  coloring  them  any  agreeable  tint,  which  will  also 
render  them  dryer  and  more  permanent.  Brick  and  stucco 
(that  is,  a wall  built  of  rough  brick,  and  coated  exteriorly  with 
a cement)  is,  when  well  executed,  one  of  the  best  materials  for 
cottages  or  villas.  It  is  much  warmer  and  dryer  than  wood, 
or  even  stone,  and  is  equal  to  the  latter  in  external  effect,  when 
marked  off  and  colored  to  resemble  it.  ¥e  have  no  doubt 
that  in  a short  time  it  will  have  a very  general  preference  in 
most  sections  of  the  country.* 

Stone  is  generally  conceded  to  be  superior,  on  the  whole,  to 
any  other  material  for  building.  This  is  owing  to  its  great 
durability  and  solidity,  both  in  expression  and  in  reality  ; and 
to  its  requiring  no  trouble  to  keep  it  in  repair,  as  it  suffers 
little  or  no  injury  from  the  action  of  the  elements. 

"When  houses  are  built  of  brick  or  stone,  the  interior 
plastering  should  never  be  put  directly  upon  the  inner  face  of 
the  wall,  as  is  sometimes  done  by  careless  or  ignorant  mecha- 
nics : but  the  lathing  upon  which  it  is  formed  should  always 
be  separated  from  the  solid  wall  by  what  is  technically  called 
“ furring  off,”  which  leaves  a space  of  two  or  more  inches 

* The  common  hydraulic  cements  of  New  York  are  unfit  for  plastering  the 
exterior  of  houses,  and  many  persons  who  have  only  seen  these  employed  (mixed 
perhaps  with  dirty,  instead  of  sharp,  clean  sand),  suppose  that  all  cements  are 
equally  liable  to  crumble  by  exposure  to  damp  and  frost.  The  cement  (or 
nydraulie  limes)  of  Connecticut  and  Pennsylvania  are  greatly  superior  for  stucco 
or  external  plaster,  becoming,  when  well  applied,  nearly  as  firm  and  durable  aa 


rtone. 


10 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


between  the  solid  wall,  and  that  of  plaster.  This  vacuity  is, 
of  course,  occupied  by  air,  which  is  a better  non-conductor 
than  any  wall,  prevents  effectually  the  penetration  of  all 
dampness,  and  renders  the  wall  warmer  than  would  three 
times  the  same  thickness  of  solid  material. 

When  we  are  necessarily  restricted  to  the  employment  of  a 
certain  material,  both  fitness  and  good  taste  require  that  there 
should  be  a correspondence  between  the  material  used  and 
the  style  adopted  for  the  building.  Heavy  and  massive  archi- 
tecture,— a temple,  a castle,  or  a mansion, — should  be  built  of 
stone  only,  or  some  solid  enduring  substance,  but  cottages  in 
some  light  and  fanciful  styles  may  with  more  propriety  be 
erected  in  wood,  that  material  being  in  harmony  with  the 
expression  of  the  form  and  outlines.  There  cannot  well  be  a 
greater  violation  of  correct  taste,  than  to  build  a Gothic 
castellated  villa  with  thin  wooden  boards.  It  is  a species  of 
counterfeit  coin,  which  will  never  pass  current  with  cultivated 
minds.  De  Tocqueville,  in  his  remarks  on  the  spirit  in  which 
the  Americans  cultivate  the  arts,  says,  “ When  I arrived  for 
the  first  time  at  Hew  York,  by  that  part  of  the  Atlantic  ocean 
which  is  called  the  Harrows,  1 was  surprised  to  perceive  along 
the  shore,  at  some  distance  from  the  city,  a considerable 
number  of  palaces  of  white  marble,  several  of  which  were 
built  after  the  models  of  ancient  architecture.”  His  surprise 
was  still  greater,  however,  when  he  went  the  next  day  to 
inspect  the  temple  that  had  particularly  attracted  his  notice, 
to  find  that  its  imposing  portico  was  supported  by  huge 
columns  of  painted  wood . 

Something  might  be  said  on  the  subject  of  fitness,  with 
regard  to  the  furniture  and  interior  decoration  of  our  dwelling- 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


11 


houses.  There  is  a great  charm  about  a country  house,  fitted 
up  or  furnished  simply,  appropriately,  and  comfortably.  A 
profusion  of  mirrors,  of  gilding,  or  of  chairs  and  sofas,  too 
magnificent  except  for  show,  strikes  us  disagreeably  amid  the 
freshness,  the  silence,  and  simplicity  of  that  nature,  which 
quietly  looks  us  in  the  face  at  every  window  of  a house  in  the 
country. 

The  expression  of  purpose  in  architecture  is  conveyed  by 
features  in  a building,  or  by  its  whole  appearance,  suggesting 
<he  end  in  view,  or  the  purpose  for  which  it  is  intended.  A 
church,  for  example,  is  easily  known  by  its  spire,  or  a barn 
by  its  plain  large  doors,  and  the  absence  of  chimneys,  and  the 
reason  acknowledges  a satisfaction  in  finding  them  to  be  what 
they  appear,  or,  in  other  words,  with  the  truthfulness  of  their 
expression.  Whatever,  therefore,  tends  to  heighten  expression 
of  purpose,  must  grow  out  of  some  quality  which  connects 
itself  in  the  mind  with  the  use  for  which  it  is  designed,  and  a 
genuine  mode  of  increasing  our  admiration  of  any  building 
is  to  render  it  expressive  of  the  purpose  for  which  it  is 
built. 

Although,  at  first  thought,  it  would  appear  that  persons 
would  be  little  likely  to  fall  into  error  in  violating  the  truth- 
fulness of  a building,  yet  examples  do  not  unfrequently  occur. 
Some  of  our  dwelling-houses  are  so  meagre  and  comfortless  in 
their  exteriors,  that  one  might  be  fairly  pardoned  for  supposing 
them  barns,  and,  on  the  other  hand,  we  have  seen  stables  so 
decorated  with  green  shutters  and  pilasters,  that  they  have 
actually  been  mistaken  for  dwelling-houses.  A blind  passion 
for  a particular  style  of  building  may  also  tend  to  destroy 
expression  of  purpose.  It  would  certainly  be  difficult  for  a 


12 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


stranger  in  some  of  our  towns,  where  the  taste  for  Grecian 
temples  prevails,  to  distinguish  with  accuracy  between  a 
church,  a bank,  and  a hall  of  justice. 

Not  only  should  the  whole  house  have  a general  character 
denoting  the  end  in  view,  but  every  portion  of  it  should  be 
made,  as  far  as  possible,  to  convey  the  same  impression.  The 
various  useful  features  entering  into  its  composition,  should  all 
be  expressive  of  the  end  for  which  they  are  intended,  and 
should  appear  to  answer  their  purpose.  Thus  large  windows 
indicate  spacious  and  well  ventilated  apartments,  and  although 
propriety  requires  the  windows  of  the  princijial  rooms  to  be 
made  larger  than  those  of  the  chamber  story,  yet  the  latter 
should  not  be  shorn  of  their  due  proportions  so  as  to  be  expres- 
sive of  imperfect  accommodation.  One  of  the  most  common 
errors,  which  of  late  has  crept  into  our  suburban  builders’ 
heads,  is  the  introduction  of  short  attic  windows  into  the  second 
or  third  story  of  their  houses.  However  satisfactory  such 
dwellings  may  otherwise  be,  the  expression  of  low  and  confined 
chambers,  conveyed  by  these  cramped  windows,  destroys  all 
pleasure  in  contemplating  their  exteriors. 

The  prominent  features,  conveying  expression  of  purpose 
in  dwelling-houses,  are,  the  chimneys,  the  windows,  and  the 
porch,  veranda,  or  piazza ; and  for  this  reason,  whenever  it  is 
desired  to  raise  the  character  of  a cottage  or  villa  above 
mediocrity,  attention  should  first  be  bestowed  on  those  portions 
of  the  building. 

The  chimney  tops,  in  all  countries  where  fires  are  used,  are 
decidedly  expressive  of  purpose,  as  they  are  associated  with 
all  our  ideas  of  warmth,  the  cheerful  fire-side,  and  the  social 
winter  circle.  The  learned  Bishop  Hall  says, 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


13 


" Look  to  the  tower’d  chimnies,  which  should  be 
The  wind-pipes  of  good  hospitalitie.” 

“ In  every  human  habitation,”  says  Loudon,  66  these  chimney 
tops  ought  to  be  conspicuous  objects,  because  they  are  its 
essential  characteristics.  They  distinguish  apartments  destined 
for  human  beings  from  those  designed  for  lodging  cattle. 
They  also  distinguish  a dwelling-house  from  a manufactory  or 
workshop,  by  their  size,  number,  form,  or  disposition.”  As 
chimney  tops  are  thus  so  essential  a part  of  dwelling-houses, 
we  should  endeavor  to  render  them  pleasing  objects,  and 
increase  their  importance  by  making  them  ornamental.  The 
clumsy  mass  of  bricks  should  be  enlivened  and  rendered 
elegant  by  varying  its  form,  ornamenting  its  sides  and  summit, 
or  separating  the  whole  into  distinct  flues,  forming  a cluster, 
in  modes  of  which  there  are  a multitude  of  suitable  examples 
in  the  various  styles  of  architecture.  The  chimney  tops  gene- 
rally occupy  the  highest  portions  of  the  roof,  breaking  against 
the  sky  boldly,  and,  if  enriched,  will  not  only  increase  the 
expression  of  purpose,  but  add  also  to  the  picturesque  beauty 
of  the  composition. 

The  porch,  the  veranda,  or  the  piazza,  are  highly  character- 
istic features,  and  no  dwelling-house  can  be  considered  complete 
without  one  or  more  of  them.  The  entrance  door,  even  in  the 
humblest  cottage,  should  always  be  a conspicuous  feature 
in  its  front,  and  it  may  be  rendered  so,  by  a porch  or  veranda 
of  some  kind,  which  will  serve  to  keep  the  entrance  dry  and 
warm  in  inclement  weather.  In  all  countries  like  ours,  where 
there  are  hot  summers,  a veranda,  piazza,  or  colonnade,  is  a 


14 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


necessary  and  delightful  appendage  to  a dwelling-house,  and 
in  fact  during  a considerable  part  of  the  year,  frequently 
becomes  the  lounging  apartment  of  the  family.  Hence  a 
broad  shady  veranda  suggests  ideas  of  comfort,  and  is  highly 
expressive  of  purpose.  For  the  same  reason  bay  or  oriel 
windows,  balconies,  and  terraces,  added  to  villas,  increase 
their  interest,  not  only  by  their  beauty  of  form,  but  by  their 
denoting  more  forcibly  those  elegant  enjoyments  which  belong 
to  the  habitation  of  man  in  a cultivated  and  refined  state  of 
society. 

The  color  of  buildings  m'ay  very  properly  be  made  to 
increase  their  expression  of  truthfulness.  Thus  a barn  or 
stable  being  regarded  entirely  in  a useful  point  of  view,  may 
have  a quiet,  unobtrusive  tone  of  color,  while  a cottage  or 
villa  should  be  of  a cheerful,  mellow  hue  harmonizing  with 
the  verdure  of  the  country.  A mansion  may  very  properly 
have  a graver  color  than  a cottage,  to  be  in  unison  with  its 
greater  dignity  and  extent.  There  is  one  color,  however, 
frequently  employed  by  house  painters,  which  we  feel  bound 
to  protest  against  most  heartily,  as  entirely  unsuitable,  and  in 
bad  taste.  This  is  white , which  is  so  universally  aj3plied  to 
our  wooden  houses  of  every  size  and  description.  The  glaring 
nature  of  this  color,  wThen  seen  in  contrast  with  the  soft  green 
of  foliage,  renders  it  extremely  unpleasant  to  an  eye  attuned 
to  harmony  of  coloring,  and  nothing  but  its  very  great  preva- 
lence in  the  United  States  could  render  even  men  of  some 
taste  so  heedless  of  its  bad  effect.  Ho  painter  of  landscapes, 
that  has  possessed  a name  was  ever  guilty  of  displaying  in 
his  pictures  a glaring  white  house,  but,  on  the  contrary,  the 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


15 


buildings  introduced  by  the  great  masters  Lave  uniformly  a 
mellow  softened  shade  of  color,  in  exquisite  keeping  with  the 
surrounding  objects.* 

We  shall  quote  on  this  subject  some  remarks  in  point  by 
Uvedale  Price,  whose  name  is  of  high  authority .f  “ One  of 
the  most  charming  effects  of  sunshine,  is  its  giving  to  objects 
not  merely  light,  but  that  mellow  golden  hue  so  beautiful  in 
itself,  and  which,  when  diffused  as  in  a fine  evening  over  the 
whole  landscape,  creates  that  rich  union  and  harmony  so 
enchanting  in  nature  and  Claude.  In  any  scene,  whether  real 
or  painted,  wdien  such  harmony  prevails,  the  least  discordancy 
in  color  would  disturb  the  eye : but  if  we  suppose  a single 
object  of  a glaring  white  to  be  introduced,  the  whole  attention, 
in  spite  of  all  our  efforts  to  the  contrary,  will  be  drawn  to  that 
one  point;  if  many  such  objects  be  scattered  about,  the  eye 
will  be  distracted  among  them.  Again  (to  consider  it  in 
another  view),  wrhen  the  sun  breaks  out  in  gleams,  there  is 
something  that  delights  and  surprises,  in  seeing  an  object, 
before  only  visible,  lighted  up  in  splendor,  and  then  gradually 
sinking  into  shade : but  a whitened  object  is  already  lighted 
up ; it  remains  so  when  everything  else  has  retired  into 
obscurity  ; it  still  forces  itself  into  notice,  still  impudently 
stares  you  in  the  face.  An  object  of  a sober  tint,  unexpectedly 
gilded  by  the  sun,  is  like  a serious  countenance  suddenly 
lighted  up  by  a smile  ; a whitened  object  like  the  eternal  grin 
of  a fool.”  There  may  be  a little  sarcasm  in  the  tone  of  these 

* To  render  the  effect  still  worse,  our  modern  builders  pain  their  Venetian 
window  shutters  a bright  green ! A cool  dark  green  would  be  in  better  taste,  and 
more  agreeable  to  the  eye,  both  from  the  exterior  and  interior. 

t Essays  on  the  Picturesque. 


16 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


remarks,  but  that  they  are  strictly  true  every  fine  colorist  will 
admit. 

As  it  is  difficult  to  convey  in  words  a proper  idea  of  delicate 
shades  of  color,  and  as  we  think  the  subject  one  of  very 
great  importance  in  domestic  architecture,  we  have  given 
specimens  on  the  opposite  page  of  six  shades  of  color  highly 
suitable  for  the  exterior  of  cottages  and  villas.  A,  B,  and  C, 
are  shades  of  grey,  and  D,  E,  F,  of  drab  or  fawn  color ; which 
will  be  found  pleasing  and  harmonious  in  any  situation  in  the 
country.  Stuccoed  or  cemented  buildings  should  be  marked 
off  in  courses,  and  tinted  to  resemble  some  mellow  stone ; 
Bath,  Portland  stone,  or  any  other  of  the  light  free-stone 
shades,  are  generally  most  agreeable. 

A person  of  correct  architectural  taste  will  carry  his  feeling 
of  artistical  propriety  into  the  interior  of  his  house,  and  confer 
on  each  apartment,  by  expression  of  purpose,  a kind  of  indivi- 
duality. Thus,  in  a complete  cottage-villa,  the  hall  will  be 
grave  and  simple  in  character,  a few  plain  seats  its  principal 
furniture;  the  library  sober  and  dignified,  or  bookish  and 
learned  in  its  air ; the  dining-room  cheerful,  with  a hospitable 
sideboard  and  table  ; the  drawing-room  lively  or  brilliant, 
adorned  with  pictures  or  other  objects  of  art,  and  evincing 
more  elegance  and  gaiety  of  tone  in  its  colors  and  furniture. 
The  bedrooms  would  be  simple,  or  only  pretty,  with  abun- 
dant ventilation,  and  ceilings  of  full  height,  and  not  low  or 
contracted. 

W e have  thus  sketched  the  ground-work  upon  which  archi- 
tecture rests,  fitness  and  expression  of  purpose,  but  architecture 
which  goes  no  further  is  only  a useful,  not  a fine  art.  It  is 
only  building.  The  true  artist  breathes  a life  and  soul,  which 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


17 


is  beauty , into  the  dead  utilitarian  materials,  stone  and  wood, 
and  they  speak  a language  that  is  understood  as  readily  as  that 
of  animate  nature.  The  mechanic  blocks  out  the  stone  from 
the  quarry,  he  even  gives  to  it  the  semblance  of  the  human 
form,  but  only  the  sculptor  moulds  the  cold  marble  into  a 
passion  or  a sentiment  that  endures  for  ages,  and  strikes  men 
of  speech  dumb  with  its  voiceless  eloquence.  A Greek  temple 
or  an  old  cathedral,  speaks  to  the  soul  of  all  men  as  audibly  as 
could  a Demosthenes.  Even  a Swiss  chalet,  with  its  drooping, 
shadowy  eaves,  or  an  old  English  cottage,  with  its  quaint 
peaked  gables,  each  embodies  a sentiment  in  its  peculiar  form, 
which  takes  hold  of  the  mind,  and  convinces  us  that,  in  some 
way  or  other,  it  has  a living  power.  To  reproduce  the  beau- 
tiful in  this  manner,  and  to  infuse  a spirit  and  a grace  in  forms 
otherwise  only  admirable  for  their  usefulness,  is  the  ideal  of 
architecture  as  an  art  of  taste,  and  its  inspiration  may  be  seen 
here  and  there  in  some  humble  nook-hidden  cottage,  as  well  as 
in  the  dome  of  St.  Peter’s. 

As  all  the  satisfaction  which  the  reason  experiences  in 
building  as  an  useful  art,  arises  from  fitness  and  expression  of 
purpose,  so  all  the  delight  which  the  imagination  receives  from 
architecture  as  an  art  of  taste,  is  derived  from  beauty  of  form, 
and  from  the  sentiment  associated  with  certain  modes  of 
building  long  prevalent  in  any  age  or  country. 

Aside  from  certain  styles  of  architecture,  -which  have 
received  the  approbation  of  all  men  for  their  acknowledged 
beauty,  and  which  are  generally  followed  by  architects,  there 
are  also  some  leading  rules  which  should  govern  us  in 
the  composition  of  buildings  in  any  style,  however  simple, 

2 


18 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


because  they  are  inherent  sources  of  beauty,  common  to  all 
styles. 

The  first  of  these  is  the  principle  of  Unity,  a principle  of 
the  highest  importance  in  all  works  of  art.  There  should  be 
an  unity  of  design  in  all  portions  of  the  same  building, 
showing,  by  a correspondence  of  its  various  parts,  that  they 
all  originated  in  the  same  mind ; an  unity  of  style,  avoiding 
the  introduction,  in  an  established  mode,  of  any  portions  or 
members  not  in  keeping  with  that  mode  ; and  an  unity  of 
decoration,  evinced  in  the  appropriate  application  of  enrich- 
ment to  the  whole,  rather  than  to  a single  part,  of  an  edifice. 
These  rules  of  Unity  are  not  unfrequently  violated  by 
architects,  but  always  at  the  expense  of  the  beauty  and  per- 
fection of  their  works,  as  no  artist  is  superior  to  principles.* 
The  production  of  a whole  follows  as  the  result  of  attention 
to  the  principles  of  Unity,  and  our  pleasure  in  every  work  of 
art  is  enduring,  precisely  in  proportion  as  it  forms  a perfect 
whole.  Unity  is  the  principle  of  Oneness , and  its  violation 
always  shocks  a tasteful  and  consistent  mind.  As  an  example 
of  the  violation  of  unity  of  style,  we  might  refer  to  a number 
of  country  chapels  or  churches,  within  our  knowledge,  where 
a Grecian  portico  and  Gothic  or  pointed  windows  occur  in 
the  same  composition ! Or  to  illustrate  the  like  in  unity  of 
decoration  or  of  design,  how  many  country  dwellings  have 
we  all  seen,  with  a highly  elegant  colonnade  in  front,  accom- 


* “ Every  opportunity  should  be  taken  to  discountenance  that  false  and  vulgar 
opinion,  that  rules  are  the  fetters  of  genius ; they  are  fetters  only  to  men  of  no 
genius.” — Sir  Joshua  Reynolds. 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


19 


panying  bare  sides,  without  the  least  corresponding  enrichment 
in  the  windows ! 

The  next  principles  of  composition  are  those  of  Uniformity 
and  of  Symmetry  • two  words  wdiich  frequently  pass  as  syno- 
nymous in  common  language. 

Uniformity  in  building  is  the  repetition  of  the  same  forms 
in  the  different  portions  or  sides  of  a building.  u A hut  may 
be  recognised  as  a work  of  art,  however  rude  or  anomalous 
its  form ; because,  according  to  human  experience,  its  sides, 
its  roof,  and  its  door,  could  never  have  been  arranged  so  as 
to  form  a hut  by  chance.  Such  a hut  is  satisfactory  as  a work 
of  art,  but  nothing  more;  but  a hut  in  a square  form,  gives 
additional  satisfaction  by  the  regularity  of  its  figure ; which 
gives  an  idea  not  only  of  art,  but  of  cultivated  or  improved 
art.  There  can  be  no  doubt,  therefore,  that  the  love  of  regu- 
larity is  strongly  implanted  in  the  human  mind ; since 
regularity  is  the  first  principle  which  displays  itself  in  the 
works  of  man,  composed  with  a view  to  beauty.”*  Hence, 
those  persons  who  have  the  least  taste  or  imagination,  will  be 
found  to  prefer  a plain  square  or  cube,  above  all  others,  for  a 
house,  as  being  the  first  principle  of  beauty  which  they  are 
able  to  discover  in  architecture. f 

As  Uniformity  is  the  balance  of  two  regular  parts,  so  the 
principle  of  Symmetry  may  be  defined  the  balance  of  two 

* Architectural  Magazine,  i.  221. 

t As  besides  this,  a square  or  parallelogram  is  the  most  economical  form  in 
which  a house  can  be  built,  and  as  a small  house  does  not  easily  permit  irregularity, 
we  have  adopted  it  in  designing  the  greater  number  of  cottages  which  follow,  but  we 
have  endeavored  to  raise  them  above  mere  uniformity,  by  adding  such  characteristic 
ornaments  as  to  give  also  some  variety  to  the  compositions. 


20 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


irregular  parts;  in  other  words,  uniformity  in  works  of  art 
is  artistical  regularity , Symmetry,  artistical  irregularity . 
There  are  irregular  buildings  without  symmetry,  but  in  all 
irregular  compositions  entirely  satisfactory,  it  will  generally 
be  found  that  there  is  a kind  of  hidden  proportion  which  one 
half  of  the  whole  bears  to  the  other,  and  it  is  this  balance 
which  constitutes  symmetry. 

A building  may  be  highly  irregular,  it  may  abound  in 
variety  and  picturesqueness,  and  yet  be  perfectly  symmetrical. 
In  the  annexed  rough  sketch  (Fig.  1),  the  pile  of  building 

i 

i 

a 

i 


/ 


[Figure  1.] 

represented,  which  is  full  of  irregularity,  is  also  symmetrical, 
for  if  we  divide  it  by  the  imaginary  line  a , the  portion  on  the 
right  balances  that  on  the  left ; that  is,  though  not  in  shape, 
yet  in  bulk  and  in  the  mass  of  composition  ; while  in  Fig.  2, 
which  is  a uniform  or  regular  building,  the  portion  to  the  right 
balances  that  on  the  left  both  in  form  and  bulk.  Now  almost 
all  persons,  who  have  not  cultivated  a taste  for  architecture/ 
or  whose  organizations  are  deficient  in  this  faculty,  would 
prefer  a regular  house  to  a symmetrically  irregular  one, 
because  with  them  the  reason  only  demands  to  be  satisfied. 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


21 


but  with  more  cultivated  minds  the  taste  and  imagination  are 
active,  and  call  for  a more  lively  and  varied  kind  of  beauty, 
and  the  irregular  building  would  be  chosen,  as  affording  more 
intense  and  enduring  pleasure. 

As  the  principles  of  Harmony , Variety , &c.,  are  intimately 
connected  with,  and  may  be  said  to  grow  out  of,  Unity, 
Uniformity,  and  Symmetry,  we  shall  not  in  our  present  limits 
offer  any  remarks  upon  them. 

The  different  styles  in  architecture  are  certain  modes  of 
building  which  have  had  their  origin  in  different  countries, 
and  may  be  considered  as  standard  forms  of  architectural 
beauty.  They  have,  almost  without  exception,  had  their  origin 
in  some  lofty  enthusiasm  of  the  age,  which  was  embodied  by 
the  master  artists  of  the  time,  generally  in  the  enthusiasm  of 
religion.  To  the  pagan  gods  were  reared  the  beautiful  temples 
of  the  Greeks,  and,  under  the  more  spiritual  influence  of 
Christianity,  arose  those  Gothic  cathedrals,  in  which  the 
ponderous  stone  was  wrought  in  the  most  exquisite  modifica- 
tions of  intricacy  and  beauty — those  cathedrals  which,  says 
an  eloquent  writer,  are  “ a blossoming  in  stone,  subdued  by 
the  insatiable  demand  of  harmony  in  man.”  In  like  manner 


22 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


the  oriental  style,  distinguished  by  its  mosques  and  minaretSj 
and  the  Egyptian,  by  its  pyramids  and  cavernous  temples, 
have  all  had  their  origin  in  the  same  lofty  aspirations  of  the 
artist. 

All  domestic  architecture,  in  a given  style,  should  be  a 
subdued  expression  or  manifestation  of  that  style  adjusted  to 
the  humbler  requirements  of  the  building  and  the  more  quiet 
purposes  of  domestic  life.  Hence  it  would  evidently  be  absurd 
to  copy  a cathedral,  in  building  a dwelling  in  the  Gothic  style, 
or  a temple  in  a cottage  after  the  Grecian  mode. 

Nearly  all  the  modes  of  building  in  modem  use  may  be 
referred  to  two  original  styles,  of  which  they  are  only  modifi- 
cations or  varieties,  viz.  to  the  Grecian,  in  which  horizontal 
lines  prevail,  and  to  the  Gothic,  in  which  vertical  lines  prevail ; 
and  there  have  not  been  wanting  artists  who  have  caught 
something  of  the  spirit  and  beauty  of  the  original  masterpieces 
of  art,  and  transfused  them  into  the  more  domestic  styles  which 
have  grown  out  of  these  to  suit  the  wants  of  civilized  life. 
Thus,  although  the  pure  Grecian  style  (the  temple)  was  not 
intended,  and  is  not  suitable  for  domestic  purposes,  the  Roman 
and  the  Italian  styles,  which  are  modified  forms  of  it,  are 
elegant  adaptations  of  its  characteristic  forms  to  this  purpose. 
The  Italian  style,  by  its  verandas  and  balconies,  its  projecting 
roofs,  and  the  capacity  and  variety  of  its  form,  is  especially 
suited  to  a warm  climate. 

In  the  same  manner  the  Swiss,  the  Elemish,  and  other  conti- 
nental modes  of  building,  with  exterior  galleries,  and  wide 
horizontal  cornices,  are  all  variations  of  this  mode,  only 
differing  in  some  peculiar  adaptation  to  the  elimate  of  the 
country,  or  the  customs  of  the  people. 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


23 


Neither  lias  the  Gothic  been  confined  to  the  cathedral, 
where,  as  the  noblest  form,  it  exists  in  its  grandeur  and  purity, 
but  its  beauty  and  picturesqueness  have  reappeared  in  the  old 
English  styles  of  domestic  architecture.  The  most  perfect 
examples  are  those  of  the  castles  and  mansions  of  England 
of  the  time  of  the  Tudors,  but  the  whole  of  the  cottage 
architecture  of  England  is  imbued  with  its  spirit,  and  the 
manifestations  are  everywhere  visible,  in  quaintly  carved 
gables  or  verge  boards,  wreathed  and  clustered  chimneys, 
beautiful  windows  ornamented  with  tracery,  and  numberless 
other  details,  highly  expressive  and  characteristic. 

In  adopting  any  style  for  imitation,  our  preference  should  be 
guided  not  only  by  the  intrinsic  beauty  which  we  see  in  a 
particular  style,  but  by  its  appropriateness  to  our  uses.  This 
will  generally  be  indicated  by  the  climate,  the  site,  or  situation, 
and  the  wants  of  the  family  who  are  to  inhabit  it.  In  a high 
northern  latitude,  where  it  is  evident  colonnades  and  verandas 
would  be  unsuitable  for  most  of  the  year,  the  Italian  oi 
Grecian  styles  should  not  be  chosen,  and  in  a tropical  one, 
the  warm,  solid,  comfortable  features  of  the  old  English 
architecture  would  not  be  necessary  or  appropriate.  In  a 
country  like  the  middle  portions  of  the  United  States,  where 
the  summers  are  hot  and  the  winters  cold,  there  is  sufficient 
latitude  for  the  adoption  of  various  styles  of  building,  and 
therefore  more  judgment  or  taste  is  requisite  in  the  selection. 

The  different  styles  of  architecture  have  been  very  aptly 
compared  to  different  languages,  employed  by  various  archi- 
tects to  express  their  ideas,  and  which,  wdien  perfect,  always 
remain  nearly  fixed,  and  best  express  the  wants  of  a particulai 
age  or  country.  We  may  6afely  carry  out  this  illustration,  and 


24: 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


say  that  the  temples  and  cathedrals  are  the  orations  and  epic 
poems,  the  dwelling-houses  the  familiar  epistles  or  conversa- 
tions of  the  particular  styles. 

In  expressing  our  architectural  ideas  by  the  medium  of  a 
certain  style  or  language,  we  shall  succeed  best,  and  our  efforts 
will  afford  most  delight,  the  more  nearly  we  approach  to  the 
nature  of  the  circumstances  under  which  the  style  or  language 
originated.  Thus,  if  we  talk  pure  Greek,  and  build  a Grecian 
temple  for  a dwelling,  we  shall  be  little  understood,  or  perhaps 
only  laughed  at  by  our  neighbors.  It  is  not  much  better  in  the 
present  day  to  recite  an  epic  poem  by  building  a cathedral,  or 
a heroic  one  by  constructing  a castle  for  our  habitation.  Let 
us  rather  be  more  sensible,  though  not  less  graceful  in  our 
architectural  utterance,  and  express  a pleasant,  every-day 
language,  in  an  old  English  mansion,  a Rural  Gothic  cottage, 
or  an  Italian  villa. 

For  domestic  architecture,  we  would  strongly  recommend 
those  simple  modifications  of  architectural  styles,  where  the 
beauty  grows  out  of  the  enrichment  of  some  useful  or  elegant 
features  of  the  house,  as  the  windows  or  verandas,  rather  than 
those  where  some  strongly  marked  features,  of  little  domestic 
beauty,  overpower  the  rest  of  the  building.  The  Rural  Gothic 
style,  characterized  mainly  by  pointed  gables,  and  the  Italian, 
by  projecting  roofs,  balconies,  and  terraces,  are  much  the  most 
beautiful  modes  for  our  country  residences.  Their  outlines  are 
highly  picturesque  and  harmonious  with  nature.  Their  forms 
are  convenient,  their  accessories  elegant,  and  they  are  highly 
expressive  of  the  refined  and  unostentatious  enjoyments  of  the 
country.  We  have  pointed  out  in  another  work  the  objections 
that  may  fairly  be  urged  against  the  false  taste  lately  so 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


25 


prevalent  among  us,  in  building  our  country  houses  in  the  form 
of  Greek  temples,  sacrificing  thereby  the  beauty  of  variety, 
much  convenience,  and  all  the  comfort  of  low  and  shady 
verandas,  to  the  ambitious  display  of  a portico  of  stately 
columns ; and  we  are  happy  to  see  that  the  fashion  is  on  the 
decline.  Let  us  hope  speedily  to  see  in  its  place  a corre</ 
taste  springing  up  in  every  part  of  the  country,  which  shall 
render  our  cottage  homes  beautiful,  not  by  borrowing  the 
features  or  enrichments  of  a temple  or  palace,  but  by  seeking 
beautiful  and  appropriate  forms,  characteristic  of  domestic  life, 
and  indicative  of  home  comforts. 

Not  a little  of  the  delight  of  beautiful  buildings  to  a culti- 
vated mind  grows  out  of  the  sentiment  of  architecture,  or  the 
associations  connected  with  certain  styles.  Thus  the  sight  of 
an  old  English  villa  will  call  up  in  the  mind  of  one  familiar 
with  the  history  of  architecture,  the  times  of  the  Tudors,  or  of 
“ Merry  England,”  in  the  days  of  Elizabeth.  The  mingled 
quaintness,  beauty,  and  picturesqueness  of  the  exterior,  no  less 
than  the  oaken  wainscot,  curiously  carved  furniture,  and  fixtures 
of  the  interior  of  such  a dwelling,  when  harmoniously  com- 
plete, seem  to  transport  one  back  to  a past  age,  the  domestic 
habits,  the  hearty  hospitality,  the  joyous  old  sports,  and  the 
romance  and  chivalry  of  which,  invest  it,  in  the  dim  retrospect, 
with  a kind  of  golden  glow,  in  which  the  shadowy  lines  of 
poetry  and  reality  seem  strangely  interwoven  and  blended. 

So  too  an  Italian  villa  may  recall,  to  one  familiar  with  Italy 
and  art,  by  its  bold  roof  lines,  its  campanile  and  its  shady 
balconies,  the  classic  beauty  of  that  fair  and  smiling  land, 
where  pictures,  sculptured  figures,  vases,  and  urns,  in  all 
exquisite  forms,  make  part  of  the  decorations  and  “ surround- 


26 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


ings”  of  domestic  and  public  edifices.  A residence  in  the 
Roman  style  (more  suitable  than  the  Grecian)  may,  by  its 
dignified  elegance  of  arrangement  and  decoration,  recall  to  the 
classic  mind  the  famed  Tusculum  retreat  of  Pliny.  And  one 
fond  of  the  wild  and  picturesque,  whose  home  chances  to  be  in 
some  one  of  our  rich  mountain  valleys,  may  give  it  a peculiar 
interest  by  imitating  the  Swiss  cottage,  or  at  least  its  expressive 
and  striking  features.  A great  deal  of  the  charm  of  architec- 
tural style,  in  all  cases,  will  arise  from  the  happy  union 
between  the  locality  or  site,  and  the  style  chosen,  and  from  the 
entireness  with  which  the  architect  or  amateur  enters  into  the 
spirit  and  character  of  the  style,  and  carries  it  through  his 
whole  work.  This  may  be  done  in  a small  cottage,  and  at 
little  cost,  as  well  as  in  a mansion,  at  great  expense ; but  it 
requires  more  taste  and  skill  to  achieve  the  former  admirably, 
although  the  latter  may  involve  ten  times  the  magnitude. 


DESIGN  I. 


A Suburban  Cottage. 


F i£T 


17. 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


27 


DESIGN  I. 

A suburban  cottage  for  a small  family. 

We  have  supposed  this  cottage  to  be  situated  in  the  suburbs 
of  a town  or  village,  and,  for  the  sake  of  illustrating  the 
treatment  of  a small  portion  of  ground,  we  shall  also  imagine 
it  to  be  placed  on  a lot  of  ground  75  feet  front  by  150  deep, 
which,  at  the  time  of  commencing  the  building,  has  upon  it  no 
trees  or  improvements  of  any  description. 

By  referring  to  the  plan  of  the  first  floor  of  this  cottage, 
Fig.  4,  the  reader  will  perceive  on  the  left  of  the  hall,  the 
parlor,  or  living-room,  16  feet  by  22  feet,  having  in  com- 
munication with  it,  a pantry  and  a closet  for  books — each 
4 feet  by  8 feet.  On  the  opposite  side  of  the  hall  are,  the 
kitchen,  14  feet  by  16,  and  a bedroom  12  feet  by  16  feet. 
In  the  plan  of  the  chamber  floor,  Fig.  5,  there  are  four  bed- 


28 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


rooms  of  good  size,  and  one  of  small  dimensions.  Sufficient 
cellar  room  will  he  obtained  under  the  living-room,  closets, 
and  hall,  and  it  will  not  therefore  be  necessary  to  excavate  for 
this  purpose  under  the  kitchen  and  first  fioor  bedroom  ; a 
circumstance  which  will  lessen  the  expense  in  building  the 
foundation  walls. 

This  simple  cottage  will  be  a suitable  one  for  a small  family, 
when  the  mistress  wishes  to  have  the  management  of  the 
domestic  affairs  directly  under  her  own  personal  care  and 
supervision.  In  such  a case  it  is  indispensable  to  have  the 
kitchen  on  the  same  floor  with  the  living-room,  though,  if 
possible,  not  opening  directly  into  it ; as  in  the  latter  arrange- 
ment, the  smell  arising  from  the  cooking  would  be  in 
unpleasant  proximity  to  the  living-room.  We  have  therefore 
placed  it  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  hall,  though  but  a few 
steps  from  the  living-room.  In  a cottage  of  this  description, 
the  master  and  mistress  will  generally  prefer  to  have  their 
own  bedroom  on  the  first  floor,  and  we  have  accordingly  placed 
it  opposite  the  living-room. 

Although  this  cottage  is  of  very  moderate  size,  yet,  to  a 
family  of  small  means,  leading  a comparatively  retired  life,  it 
will  afford  a great  deal  of  comfort,  and  even  a considerable 
degree  of  taste  or  neatness.  The  parlor  or  living-room  is  com- 
paratively large ; its  outline  is  agreeably  varied  by  the  bay 
window  opposite  the  fire-place — and  the  closet  of  books  con- 
nected with  it,  indicating  a certain  degree  of  mental  cultivation, 
may  very  fairly  stand  in  the  place  of  the  library  which  forms 
one  of  the  suite  of  apartments  in  a larger  cottage  or  villa.  On 
the  other  hand,  the  pantry  opening  into  the  same  apartment 
renders  it  equally  eligible  and  convenient  as  a dining-room. 


/ 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


29 


However  large  our  dwelling-houses  may  be,  including  every 
grade  from  a cottage  to  a palace,  if  they  are  occupied  by  a 
family  of  moderate  size,  it  will  be  found  that  more  than  one 
room  is  seldom  used  at  a time,  and  that  all  the  actual  comforts 
of  domestic  life  may  be  realized  in  a cottage  of  this  class, 
containing  only  a single  parlor  or  living-room,  as  well  as  in  a 
mansion  of  a dozen  apartments.  “ I must  confess,”  says  Cow* 
ley,  “ I love  littleness  almost  in  all  things.  A little  cheerful 
house,  a little  company,  and  a very  little  feast.”  Whatever  is 
necessary  beyond  this,  arises  either  from  a desire  to  enjoy  a 
more  luxurious  style  of  living,  or  from  the  wish  to  entertain  a 
larger  circle  of  friends.  Now  as  none  of  these  are  supposed 
to  come  within  the  washes  or  means  of  the  inmates  of  a cottage 
like  the  present,  its  accommodation  will  be  found  ample.  And 
supposing  one  or  two  of  the  attic  chambers  occupied  by 
younger  members  of  the  family,  and  another  by  a domestic 
or  domestics,  there  will  still  remain  a “ spare  room  ” which 
we  shall  suppose  always  neat  and  clean,  ready  for  the  friend 
or  stranger  who  may  enjoy  the  cordial  welcome  of  the  cob 
tage. 

In  building  this  cottage,  the  kitchen  should  be  provided 
with  a brick  drain,  leading  from  the  sink  to  some  large  drain 
at  a distance  from  the  house,  or,  in  case  this  is  impracticable, 
to  a reservoir  dug  at  a distance  of  forty  or  fifty  feet  from 
the  house  in  a gravelly  stratum,  where  the  drainage  may  lose 
itself  in  the  soil.  This  reservoir  may  be  of  the  size  of  a 
cistern  of  ordinary  capacity,  the  sides  built  up  with  a dry 
wall,  the  top  covered  by  flag  stones,  and  the  whole  finally 
covered  by  soil.  In  order  to  prevent  smells  arising  to  the 
kitchen  from  the  drain,  it  must  be  provided  with  a smelt-trap, 


30 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


whi^h  is  easily  constructed.  If  the  water  from  the  well,  or 
cistern,  or  both,  is  introduced  by  a leaden  pipe  and  small  pump 
into  a corner  of  the  kitchen  over  the  sink,  it  will  add  still 
further  to  the  convenience  of  performing  the  culinary  labor  of 
the  dwelling. 

As  regards  external  effect,  we  think  this  cottage  wTill  be 
allowed  to  be  very  pleasing  to  the  eye.  Aside  from  any 
other  quality,  its  uniformity  will  be  a source  of  satisfaction 
to  a larger  class  of  persons  who  do  not  relish  irregularity 
in  any  building.  There  are  also  several  features  entering 
into  the  composition  of  this  cottage,  which  give  it  at  once 
the  air  of  something  superior  in  design  to  ordinary  buildings 
of  the  same  class.  The  first  of  these  is  the  veranda,  orna- 
mented by  brackets  between  the  supports,  which  shelters  the 
entrance-door,  and  affords  an  agreeable  place  both  for  walking 
in  damp  or  unpleasant  weather,  and  to  enjoy  a cool  shaded 
seat  in  the  hotter  portions  of  the  season.  The  second  feature 
is  the  projection  of  the  eaves,  with  the  ornamental  eave-board, 
which  serves  to  protect  the  exterior  more  completely  than  any 
other  form  against  the  effects  of  storms,  and  gives  character  by 
its  boldness  and  the  deep  shadows  it  casts  upon  the  building. 
The  chimney  tops  are  rendered  sufficiently  ornamental  to 
accord  with  the  degree  of  decoration  displayed  in  the  other 
portions  of  the  cottage;  and  something  of  the  bracketted 
character  is  kept  up  in  the  dressing  of  the  windows  and  door- 
frames. The  projecting  dormer-window  adds  beauty  and  gives 
importance  to  the  entrance  front. 

If  we  suppose  this  cottage,  stripped  of  its  projecting  eaves, 
its  bracketted  veranda,  its  dormer-window,  and  the  little  deco- 
ration visible  in  the  chimney  tops  and  other  details,  we  shall 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


31 


have  a building  in  tlie  form  of  a parallelogram  of  the  very 
plainest  description.  Such  a building  would  be  distinguishable 
from  a barn  or  outhouse  only  by  the  presence  of  chimneys  and 
windows  of  larger  size,  and  would  convey  to  the  mind  no 
impression  whatever  of  refinement  in  its  occupants.  By  a 
trifling  additional  outlay  at  the  time  of  building,  amounting  to 
from  7 to  10  per  cent,  on  the  whole  cost,  such  a plain  dwelling 
may  be  made  the  ornamental  cottage  shown  in  Design  I., 
which  we  think  would  strike  every  observer  as  being  tasteful 
and  agreeable  to  the  eye. 

Construction.  This  cottage,  being  light  and  somewhat 
fanciful  in  its  character,  may  be  built 
of  wood  filled  in  with  brick.  The 
roof  should  project  20  inches  or  2 
feet,  and  the  roof  of  the  veranda 
proportion.  A portion  of  this 


m 


veranda  is  shown  in  Fig.  6,  and  a 


section  of  the  pillars  or  supports  in 
Fig.  7,  2.  The  ornamental  cornice, 
which  surrounds  the  building,  is  shown  more 
in  detail  at  y • the  pendant  portion  being  cut 
out  of  inch  board,  and  the  points  terminated 
by  acorns  turned,  and  nailed  on.  The  details 
y and  s,  are  to  the  scale  of  one  half  of  an  inch 
to  a foot. 

Brick-and-cement  would  be  a very  suitable  construction  for 
this  cottage,  as  the  projecting  roof  would  afford  perfect  security 
for  the  dryness  and  preservation  of  the  walls.  In  this  mode 
of  building  the  roughest  bricks  may  be  used,  and  are  really 
preferable,  as  affording  a better  surface  for  receiving  and 


[Fig.  7.] 


32 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


retaining  the  stucco  than  smooth  ones.  In  many  districts, 
where  bricks  are  easily  obtained,  this  kind  of  building  will  be 
found  as  cheap  as  wood. 

It  will  be  observed  that  in  this  design  and  the  seven  others 
that  follow,  we  have  placed  the  chimneys  in  the  interior,  not 
in  the  exterior  walls,  a point  of  considerable  importance,  which 
is  greatly  overlooked  by  our  builders.  When  a stack  of 
chimneys  is  built  in  the  outer  walls,  it  seldom  continues  warm 
during  the  whole  twenty-four  hours,  as  it  parts  with  its  heat 
rapidly  to  the  cold  external  air.  Now  as  a good  draught 
depends,  in  a great  degree,  on  the  warmth  of  the  column  of 
air,  and  this  upon  the  heat  of  the  chimney,  it  is  evident  that 
chimneys  in  the  interior  of  a house  must  draw  better  than  in 
the  exterior  walls.  Besides  this,  a great  deal  of  heat  is  retained 
in  the  body  of  the  house  by  carrying  the  stacks  of  flues  through 
it.  And  in  point  of  external  effect,  it  is  much  more  pleasing 
to  see  the  chimney  tops  rising  from  the  apex,  or  highest  part 
of  the  roof,  than  from  its  lowest  edge. 

Estimate.  The  estimated  cost  of  this  cottage,  finished  in  a 
neat  and  suitable  manner,  is  $1800.  This,  as  well  as  the 
estimates  which  follow,  is  intended  to  apply  to  the  majority  of 
situations  in  the  middle  and  eastern  states,  where  timber  is 
comparatively  scarce,  and  bricks  of  second  quality  suitable  for 
stuccoing  upon,  are  worth  about  $4  per  1000.  In  districts 
where  wood  is  much  cheaper,  the  cost  of  erection  would  be 
much  less  if  this  material  were  wTholly  employed. 

Laying  out  the  ground.  As  this  cottage  is  decidedly  orna- 
mental in  its  character,  it  may  fairly  be  presumed,  that  it 
would  be  required  that  a considerable  portion  of  the  limited 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


33 


3 4 


COTTAGE  EESIDENCES. 


ground  nearest  the  house  should  he  rendered  ornamental  also. 
In  the  suburbs  of  a town  or  village,  the  more  common  kinds 
of  vegetables  may  generally  be  purchased  as  cheaply  as  they 
can  be  raised  by  the  inmates  of  such  a cottage.  The  more 
delicate  kinds  of  fruit,  and  a few  of  the  earlier  or  finer  kinds 
of  vegetables,  may  however  be  produced,  of  fine  flavor,  and 
with  more  satisfaction  to  the  proprietor,  on  the  spot.  We 
have  therefore  devoted  one  third  of  the  area  of  the  lot,  Fig.  8, 
to  the  kitchen  garden  a,  and  the  remaining  two  thirds  will 
remain  to  be  occupied  by  the  house,  and  for  ornamental 
purposes.  In  order  to  separate  these  two  portions,  and  to 
prevent  the  eye  of  a person  looking  from  the  house,  or  any 
of  the  walks  across  the  little  lawn  J,  from  seeing  the  kitchen 
garden  at  the  same  time  with  the  ornamental  portion,  we 
shall  place  an  ornamental  trellis  across  the  lot  at  c,  which  may 
be  covered  by  the  following  vines,  remarkable  for  the  beauty 
of  their  foliage  and  flowers,  or  for  their  fragrance,  viz  : 


2 Chinese  Twining  Honeysuckles, 
2 Monthly  Fragrant  “ 

1 Yellow  Trumpet  “ 

1 Red  “ “ 

1 Sweet  Scented  Clematis, 

1 Virginian  Silk,  or  Periploca, 

1 Chinese  Wistaria, 

1 Climbing  Boursalt  Rose, 

2 Double  Michigan  Roses, 


blooming  in  June  and  October. 

May  to  November. 
May  to  November. 
May  to  November. 
August. 

July. 

May. 

June. 

May  to  December. 


These,  after  a couple  of  years’  growth,  will  form  a ver- 
dant barrier,  which  in  no  season,  except  winter,  will  be 
without  flowers.  Across  the  walks  leading  into  the  kitchen 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


35 


garden,  the  lattice  fence  may  be  continued  in  the  form  of  light 
gates,  and  the  vines  may  be  trained  so  as  to  form  archways 
overhead. 

Around  the  exterior  of  the  kitchen  garden  is  a border  6 feet 
wide,  which  will  be  an  excellent  situation  for  a few  choice 
fruit  trees;  because,  if  planted  on  this  exterior  border  they 
will  not  shade  the  beds  devoted  to  vegetables,  which,  if 
planted  in  the  middle  of  the  compartment,  they  would  soon 
do  to  such  an  extent  as  to  render  the  situation  unfit  for  raising 
a crop  of  any  kind.  On  the  right  hand  border,  which  is  the 
warmest  aspect,  we  would  advise  the  planting  of  some  grape 
vines,  which  may  either  be  trained  to  the  fence,  or  to  a trellis 
placed  four  or  five  inches  from  the  fence.  These  vines  may 
consist  of  a Catawba,  an  Isabella,  an  Elsingburgh,  and  a 
Bland’s  Virginia,  all  hardy  varieties,  very  productive,  and 
requiring  little  care.  On  the  other  two  outer  borders,  there 
will  be  sufficient  room  for  one  tree  of  each  of  the  fol- 
lowing fruits,  viz.  a Bartlett,  a Seckel,  and  a D’Aremberg 
Pear;  a George  the  Fourth  and  a Snow  Peach;  an  Imperial 
Gage  and  a Jefferson  Plum ; a May  duke  and  a Downer’s 
Late  Bed  Cherry,  and  a Moorpark  Apricot.  In  the  same 
borders,  and  beneath  these  fruit  trees,  strawberries  may  be 
planted,  making  a bed  about  one  hundred  and  twenty  feet 
long,  which,  if  kept  in  good  condition,  will  be  sufficient  to 
supply  a small  family  with  this  delicious  fruit.  The  border 
to  the  right,  containing  the  grape  vines,  we  shall  suppose 
(except  immediately  around,  the  vine)  to  be  kept  in  grass,  in 
which  neat  posts  are  set  at  the  distance  of  twelve  feet  apart, 
for  the  purpose  of  stretching  a line  for  drying  clothes  upon. 
These  posts  being  half  way  between  the  frame  or  trellis, 


36 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


upon  which  the  grapes  are  trained,  and  the  walk,  the  line 
would  he  easily  commanded  by  a person  standing  upon  the 
walk.  The  space  devoted  to  culinary  vegetables,  we  have 
merely  indicated  by  beds  four  feet  wide  on  the  plan,  leaving 
the  occupant  to  apportion  the  same  to  their  various  uses, 
premising  that  the  large  bed  in  the  centre,  at  &,  is  intended 
for  asparagus  ; the  three  smaller  ones,  d , for  sweet  herbs ; 
and  the  long  bed,  x,  behind  the  trellis,  covered  by  ornamental 
vines,  for  the  esculent  rhubarb,  which  is  so  valuable  an  article 
for  tarts  or  pies,  that  no  cottage  garden,  however  small,  should 
be  without  it. 

I 

Such  a thing  as  a wall  for  fruit  trees,  in  a cottage  garden, 
is  nearly  unknown  in  the  United  States,  and  therefore  we 
need  say  nothing  respecting  training  them  to  a wall.  But 
a cottage  garden  is  usually  surrounded  by  a neat  board 
fence  or  paling,  painted  some  drab  or  inconspicuous  color, 
and  as  the  number  of  fruit  trees  that  could  be  judiciously 
planted  here,  is  small,  we  would  strongly  advise  the  owner 
of  this  garden  to  train  the  branches  to  this  fence,  or  to 
a trellis  formed  by  nailing  narrow  strips  of  board,  trellis- 
like, at  a distance  of  four  or  five  inches  from  the  fence. 
The  luxuriance  and  fruitfulness  of  trees  planted  as  ordi- 
nary standards,  in  most  parts  of  the  country,  is  the  very 
obvious  reason  why,  except  in  gardens  of  the  first  class, 
a trained  tree  is  so  rarely  seen ; but,  on  the  other  hand, 
the  superior  size  and  beauty  of  the  fruit  raised  in  this 
way,  make  it  an  object  of  considerable  importance,  when 
the  number  of  trees  is  small.  Besides  this,  the  trees  occupy 
so  much  less  space,  interfere  so  little  with  the  growth  of 
anything  else  that  may  be  near  or  under  them,  and  are 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


37 


so  much  more  completely  under  the  control  of  the  gar- 
dener, that  we  are  certain  they  would,  if  trained,  afford  ten 
times  the  satisfaction  at  all  times,  beyond  that  derived  from 
standard  trees,  cultivated,  or,  rather,  left  to  grow,  in  the  usual 
manner. 

Proceeding  now  to  the  ornamental  portion  of  the  ground, 
we  shall  suppose  the  outer  border,  e,  to  be  planted  with  a 
small  mixed  collecton  of  handsome  trees  and  shrubs,  of  such 
varieties  as  may  be  easily  and  cheaply  procured.  The  trees 
may  be  planted  at  considerable  distances,  as  a very  few,  when 
they  have  attained  some  size,  will  be  sufficient  for  this  limited 
surface.  In  the  intermediate  spaces,  room  will  be  found  for 
quite  a variety  of  shrubs,  interspersed  with  several  sorts  of 
hardy  roses.  In  the  centre  of  each  of  the  two  small  circles 
fronting  the  house,  we  will  place  a Norway  spruce,  one  of  the 
finest  evergreens  in  this  climate,  as  it  preserves  its  rich  green 
rerdure  unimpaired  throughout  the  coldest  winter.  These  firs, 
with  two  or  three  additional  evergreens  in  the  swell  of  the 
front  border,  will  give  a cheerful  aspect  to  the  entrance  front 
of  the  cottage,  during  the  winter  months. 

The  border  marked/*,  in  the  plan,  that  directly  surrounds 
the  building,  should  be  laid  down  in  turf,  which,  if  kept  short, 
will  be  much  more  pleasing  and  satisfactory  than  if  kept  in 
a raw  state  by  cultivation, — partly  from  the  greater  appearance 
of  permanence  in  a turf  border,  and  partly  from  its  greater 
neatness  at  all  seasons.  In  this  turf  border  may  be  planted  a 
few  choice  shrubs,  or  roses,  selecting  such  as  are  remarkable 
for  beauty  of  leaf  and  flower,  or  for  their  fragrance ; as  from 
their  nearness  to  the  "windows,  the  latter  may  be  enjoyed  in  the 
Rummer,  while  the  windows  are  open  through  the  whole  house 


38 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


There  are  about  a dozen  of  these  shrubs  indicated  on  tue  plan 
which  we  shall  suppose  to  be  the  following : 


Blooms  in 


2 Pink  Mezereon  ( Daphne  Mezereum ), 


March. 

June. 


2 Sweet  Scented  Shrub  ( Calycanthus  jiorida ), 
2 Baron  Prevost  Rose  ( Rosa  Champneyana ), 


June  to  Nov. 
August. 


2 Fragrant  Clethra  ( Clethra  alnifolia ), 

2 Purple  Magnolia  ( Magnolia  obovata ), 
2 Missouri  Currant  ( Ribes  aureum ), 


April. 

April. 


These  are  all  deliciously  fragrant  when  in  flower,  and  some 
of  the  number  will  be  in  bloom  during  the  whole  growing 
season. 

Quite  an  area,  5,  in  the  rear  of  the  house,  is  devoted  to  a 
lawTn,  which  must  be  kept  close  and  green  by  frequent  mow- 
ings, so  that  it  will  be  as  soft  to  the  tread  as  a carpet,  and  that 
its  deep  verdure  will  set  off  the  gay  colors  of  the  flowering 
plants  in  the  surrounding  beds  and  parterre.  This  little  lawn 
is  terminated  by  an  irregular  or  arabesque  border  y,  varying  in 
width  from  four  to  fourteen  feet.  The  irregular  form  of  this 
border  is  preferable  to  a regular  one  on  account  of  its  more 
agreeable  outline,  and  more  especially  for  the  reason  that,  to  a 
person  looking  across  the  lawn  from  any  part  of  the  walk  near 
the  house,  this  variety  of  form  in  the  boundary  increases  the 
apparent  size  of  the  area  of  turf  which  it  incloses.  To  give 
still  further  variety  and  effect,  we  have  introduced  also  the 
two  small  beds,  h and  i,  cut  in  the  turf ; the  former  of  which 
may  be  planted  with  monthly  roses  of  any  free-blooming 
sorts,  and  the  latter  may  be  filled  with  mignonette  by  sowing 
the  seeds  annually  in  April.  The  monthly  roses  will  be 
covered  with  bloom  all  the  season,  and  will  stand  the  winter 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


39 


perfectly  well  in  tlie  open  air  anywhere  south  of  Albany  with 
the  trifling  care  of  throwing  a little  straw,  or  litter,  over  them 
at  the  approach  of  winter,  to  protect  them  against  the  changes 
of  temperature. 

It  will  be  remembered  that  the  kitchen  garden  is  kept  out 
of  view  to  a person  standing  at  5,  by  the  trellised  screen  <?, 
covered  with  a luxuriant  wreath  of  honeysuckles  and  other 
climbing  plants,  six  or  eight  feet  in  height.  We  shall  next 
suppose  the  arabesque  border  g,  devoted  to  a miscellaneous 
collection  of  perennial  flowering  plants,  or  herbaceous  plants, 
as  they  are  generally  termed,  arranging  them  so  that  those 
of  a few  inches  in  height  shall  be  near  the  front  margin  of 
the  border,  those  of  a larger  size  next,  and  so  gradually 
increasing  in  size  until  the  largest  growing  ones,  perhaps 
three  feet  in  height,  shall  be  at  the  back  of  the  border  and 
furthest  from  the  eye.  It  is  not  necessary  to  have  costly 
varieties  of  plants,  or  a large  collection,  to  render  this 
border  a handsome  object  to  look  upon,  but  on  the  contrary 
a few  well  selected  species,  which  may  be  procured  for  a 
trifling  sum  from  a nursery,  or  the  greater  part  of  which 
may  be  had  from  the  garden  of  some  neighboring  amateur, 
will  serve  to  render  this  border  rich  and  beautiful,  in  leaf 
and  blossom,  all  the  season.  In  the  description  of  Design 
V.,  we  shall  give  a list  of  the  most  ornamental  varieties  of 
border  perennials,  from  which  the  reader  may  choose  for  this 
or  any  other  garden.  If,  however,  the  occupant  of  this  cottage 
should  desire  to  be  at  little  or  no  cost  for  border  flowers, 
and  still  should  wish  to  produce  a considerable  effect,  it  may 
be  done  by  planting  the  bed  with  masses  of  the  following 
showy  perennials : — 


40 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


Double  red  Ragged  Robin 
Orange  Chelone 
Chinese  Pinks 
Bee  Larkspur 
White  Lily- 
Japan  White  Lily 
Early  White  Phlox 
Late  Purple  Phlox 
Fragrant  Blue  Violet 
Blue  Omphalodes 
Chinese  White  and  Rose 


( Lynchis  jlos-cuculi). 
( Chelone  harhata). 


( Dianthus  sinensis). 

(. Delphinium  elatum). 

( Lilium  candidum). 
(Hemeroallis  japonica), 
( Phlox  suaveolens). 

( Phlox  autumnalis). 

( Viola  odorata). 


( Omphalodes  verna). 


Poeonias 

Hearts-ease  or  Pansy 


( Pceonia  whitlejii  and  fragrans). 
( Viola  tricolor). 


Or,  as  a few  seeds  of  ornamental  annuals  are  easily  and 
cheaply  procured  at  the  seed  shops,  the  variety  may  he 
increased  by  sowing  the  seeds  of  twenty  or  thirty  species  of 
the  latter,  in  the  spaces  that  would  be  left  between  the  masses 
of  herbaceous  plants,  taking  care  to  arrange  them  with  regard 
to  height,  in  the  same  manner  as  the  perennials,  as  otherwise 
the  taller  plants  near  the  eye  would  hide  the  smaller  and  more 
delicate  ones  at  the  back  of  the  border. 

We  trust  the  reader  who  has  followed  us  in  our  description, 
will  acknowledge  that  this  cottage,  with  its  moderate  accom- 
modations and  small  lot  of  ground,  may  be  made  productive  of 
a considerable  degree  of  interest  and  beauty,  as  well  as  comfort 
and  enjoyment.  There  is  nothing  in  the  plan  of  the  house  or 
garden,  that  may  not  be  realized  by  a family  living  upon  a 
very  small  income,  provided  the  members  of  the  family  are 
persons  of  some  taste  and  refinement,  who  appreciate  the  value 
and  pleasure  of  such  a residence,  sufficiently  to  take  a strong 
personal  interest  in  it.  The  master  of  the  premises  we  shall 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


41 


suppose  capable  of  managing  the  kitchen  garden,  the  fruit 
trees,  the  grass,  and  the  whole  of  the  walks  himself,  with 
perhaps  the  assistance  of  a common  gardener,  or  laboring  man, 
for  a day  or  two,  at  certain  seasons  of  the  year.  The  mistress 
and  her  daughter,  or  daughters,  we  shall  suppose  to  have 
sufficient  fondness  for  flowers,  to  be  willing  and  glad  to  spend 
three  times  a week,  an  hour  or  two,  in  the  cool  mornings  and 
evenings  of  summer,  in  the  pleasing  task  of  planting,  tying  to 
neat  stakes,  picking  off  decayed  flowers,  and  removing  weeds 
from  the  borders,  and  all  other  operations  that  so  limited  a 
garden  may  require. 

A love  for  these  floral  occupations,  so  simple  and  so  natural, 
that  in  all  times  and  countries  they  have  been  the  delight  of 
the  highest,  as  well  as  the  lowest,  insensibly  gains  upon  us  as 
we  become  interested  in  the  growth  of  plants  and  the  develop- 
ment of  the  varied  forms  of  beauty  and  grace  with  which  every 
leaf,  tendril,  and  blossom  is  replete  ; and  the  exercise  involved 
in  the  pursuit,  thus  soon  becomes,  also,  a source  of  pleasure 
and  mental  satisfaction,  and  is  not,  as  in  many  other  cases,  an 
irksome  duty  performed  for  the  preservation  of  bodily  health. 


*2 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


DESIGN  II. 

A cottage  in  the  English  or  Uural  Gothic  Style. 

The  object  in  view  in  designing  this  cottage  is  internal 
convenience.  There  are  many  families  mainly  composed  of 
invalids,  or  persons  advanced  in  years,  who  have  a strong 
preference  for  a plan  giving  the  kitchen,  and  at  least  one 
bedroom,  upon  the  same  floor  with  the  living-rooms,  and  in 
which  there  is  little  or  no  necessity  for  ascending  or  descending 
stairs ; an  exercise  which,  though  of  little  consequence  to  the 
young  and  robust,  is  of  all  others  the  most  fatiguing  to  the 
infirm,  or  those  in  delicate  health. 

A glance  at  the  plan  of  the  first  floor,  opposite,  Fig.  10,  will 
show  how  we  propose  to  realize  this  kind  of  accommodation 
in  this  dwelling.  The  kitchen  is  a wing,  added  in  the  rear,  of 
one  story  in  height.  The  situation  on  which  this  dwelling  is 
placed,  has  a prospect  in  one  direction  only,  and  the  front, 
shown  in  the  elevation,  commands  this  view,  the  rear  being 
nearly  hidden  by  trees.  On  this  front  are  situated  two  pleasant 
apartments,  each  17  by  20  feet,  opening  from  the  vestibule  or 
entrance  hall,  by  large  double  doors,  which,  when  fully  opened, 
will  throw  these  two  rooms  and  the  vestibule  into  one  large 
apartment.  Some  elegance  is  conferred  on  the  parlor  by 
the  bay  window,  after  the  old  English  mode,  projecting 


DESIGN  II. 

A Cottage  in  the  English  or  Rural  Gothic  Style. 


Fig.  9. 


Fig.  10. 


# 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


43 


on  tlie  right  side,  which  is  balanced  by  a double  window 
opposite  in  the  dining  room.  We  would  recommend  the 
employment  of  a few  large  windows  in  the  principal  apart- 
ments, as  there  is  an  appearance  of  pettiness,  and  a want 
of  breadth,  in  rooms  full  of  little  windows,  wThich  is  so 
common  a feature  in  our  country  houses.  It  is  always 
preferable,  also,  to  light  a room  from  two  sides  only, 
rather  than  three,  as  nothing  is  more  unfavorable  to  the 
effect  of  interiors,  than  cross  lights  proceeding  from  every 
direction.  I 

The  living-room,  or  library,  commands  a pantry  of  con- 
venient size,  in  the  rear  of  which  is  a closet  opening  intc 
the  hall.  This  hall  is  of  ample  size  to  serve  as  a dining- 
room, and  this  disposition  would  doubtless  be  preferred 
during  at  least  part  of  the  year,  as  it  would  allow  the 
apartment  on  the  left  to  be  devoted  entirely  to  a library. 
To  make  an  entrance  hall  a dining  apartment,  is  a very 
objectionable,  though  not  unusual  mode ; as  visitors,  chanc- 
ing to  call  at  the  dinner  hour,  cannot  be  shown  into  the 
parlor  without  passing  the  table,  and  perhaps  discomposing 
the  whole  family.  But  in  the  present  case,  the  door  being 
closed  between  the  entrance  or  vestibule  and  the  dining 
hall,  the  table,  <z,  and  persons  seated  about  it,  would  be 
completely  private.  There  is  a glazed  back  door  opening 
to  the  rear  of  the  house,  near  the  left  angle  of  this  hall, 
and  a door  opening  into  the  kitchen  passage,  5,  on  the  right, 
and  the  hall  also  receives  light  from  the  window  over  this 
door,  in  the  second  story.  This  passage  is  formed  by  running 
a solid  partition  across  the  kitchen  building,  so  as  to  admit  of 
two  doors,  in  order  to  prevent  smells ; one,  an  ordinary  door 


44 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


opening  into  the  hall,  and  the  other  a fly  or  spring  door 
opening  into  the  kitchen.  This  partition  also  gives  rocm  for 
the  introduction  of  two  convenient  closets,  one  for  the  kitchen, 
and  another  for  the  bedroom. 

In  the  plan  of  the  second  floor,  Fig.  11,  we  have  two  large 


and  two  small  bedrooms.  There  is  a dressing-room  and  closet 
communicating  with  the  small  bedroom  on  the  left,  and  a 
closet  for  linen  opening  into  the  hall.  The  cellar  plan  is  not 
given,  as  this  would  be  very  simple,  and  would  probably  not 
be  required  larger  than  the  main  building.  Access  would  be 
had  to  it  by  steps  going  down  under  the  stone  platform  of 
the  stoop  on  which  the  hall,  back  door,  and  the  kitchen  door 
open ; and  by  stairs  descending  under  the  ascending  staircase 
in  the  hall. 

The  elevation  of  this  cottage  is  in  the  English  cottage 
style,  so  generally  admired  for  the  picturesqueness  evinced 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


45 


in  its  tall  gables  ornamented  by  handsome  verge  boards 
and  finials,  its  neat  or  fanciful  chimney  tops,  its  latticed 
windows,  and  other  striking  features,  showing  how  the 
genius  of  pointed  or  Gothic  architecture  may  be  chastened 
or  moulded  into  forms  for  domestic  habitations.  The  steep 
roofs  are  highly  suitable  for  a cold  country  liable  to  heavy 
snows.  A very  pleasing  mode  of  covering  roofs  of  this 
kind  is  shown  in  the  elevation,  and  the  effect  is  produced 
by  procuring  the  shingles  of  equal  size,  and  cutting  the  lower 
ends  before  laying  them  on,  in  a semi-hexagon,  or  semi-octagon 
shape,  so  that  when  laid  upon  the  roof,  these  figures  will  be 
regularly  produced. 

The  English  cottage  style  will  admit  of  great  irregu- 
larity and  picturesqueness  of  outline,  and  is  productive  of 
beautiful  effects  when  the  composition  forms  a large  group 
of  building.  In  the  present  example  we  have  only  been 
able  to  show  one  of  the  simplest  of  its  forms,  which, 
however,  is  not  destitute  of  expression  of  style.  In  the 
English  examples,  a veranda  is  rarely  seen,  as  the  damp- 
ness of  their  climate  renders  such  an  appendage  scarcely 
necessary.  But  its  great  utility  in  our  hot  summers  makes  it 
indispensable  to  every  house,  and  we  have  introduced  it  on  the 
entrance  front,  as  affording  in  this  position  shelter,  prospect, 
and  an  agreeable  promenade.  Over  the  porch  is  a pleasant 
balcony  for  the  pointed  window  in  the  gable.  As  the  spirit 
of  Gothic  architecture  lies  in  vertical  lines,  a long  unbroken 
horizontal  line -of  veranda  would  destroy  or  mar  the  architec- 
tural character  of  the  cottage. 

We  have,  therefore,  made  the  veranda  two  or  three  feet 
shorter  at  each  end  than  the  front,  and  have  further  broken  the 


46 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


horizontal  line,  by  the  porch-balcony,  to  the  window  in  the 
front  gable. 

One  of  the  most  characteristic  and  beautiful  features  in 
rural  Gothic  architecture,  is  the  ornamental  chimney  shaft, 
sometimes  rising  singly,  sometimes  in  clusters  from  the  roof ; 
often  plain  and  square,  or  octagonal,  but  frequently  wreathed 
and  moulded  in  the  most  picturesque  manner.  The  finest 
specimens  of  the  old  English  chimneys  are  built  of  bricks, 
cast  in  moulds  for  the  purpose,  or  stamped  with  ornaments. 
These  bricks  were  until  lately  so  highly  taxed  in  England, 
as  to  render  them  as  expensive  as  cut  stone,  but  they  may 
be  made  very  cheaply  here.*  We  have  built  neat  chimney 
shafts  in  an  octagonal  form  of  common  bricks,  by  cutting 
them  with  a trowel  in  the  desired  form,  and  rubbing  the  faces 
smooth  on  a hard  sand-stone,  before  laying  them,  but  this  is 
more  expensive  than  to  employ  bricks  ready  moulded  for  the 
purpose.  Chimney  tops  of  artificial  stone  in  handsome  forms 
may  also  be  had  of  various  manufacturers  in  our  principal 
cities,  but  they  will  seldom  stand  our  trying  climate  at  the 
north. 

Construction.  This  cottage  should  be  built  of  brick  and 
cement,  colored  in  imitation  of  Bath  or  Portland  stone ; 
or  of  smooth  brick,  colored  after  some  of  the  soft  neutral 
tints  described  in  a former  page ; or  of  quarried  stone. 
The  window  frames,  the  porch,  and  veranda,  and  the  verge 
board,  may  be  made  of  good  seasoned  wood,  painted  the 

* We  trust  that  by  the  time  this  volume  is  out  of  press,  some  of  our  brickmakers 
will  be  able  to  offer  moulded  bricks  of  a variety  of  patterns,  as  the  demand  for  such 
is  every  day  increasing. 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


47 


same  color  as  the  walls,  and  sanded;  or  they  may  he 
grained  in  imitation  of  oak.  Real 
oak  would  he  preferable  where  eco- 
nomy is  not  an  object.  The  label 
or  drip-stones  to  the  window  may 
be  made  of  moulded  brick,  or  cut 
free-stone  after  Fig.  25,  of  the  next 


design.  These  windows  are  latticed 
casement  windows,  the  plan  and  sec- 
tion of  which  are  shown  in  Fig.  12. 


In  the  gable,  Fig.  13,  the 
roof  or  cornice  of  which  should 
project  at  least  twenty  inches 
over  the  wall,  is  shown  a spe- 
cimen of  feathered  tracery 
from  one  of  the  best  examples, 
with  its  pinnacle  and  pendant. 
This  may  be  cut  out  of  thick 
plank,*  and  if  thought  too 
elaborate,  may  be  simplified 
by  omitting  the  minor  details. 
If  well  executed  it  'will  have  a 
[F»g-  i3-J  ' rich  effect. 

The  porch  and  veranda  are  shown  in  detail  in  Fig.  14 ; the 
detached  portion  on  the  right  showing  a part  of  the  veranda 
cornice,  and  that  on  the  left  a portion  of  the  clustered  column. 
(The  sections  of  which  are  seen  at  the  lower  ends  of  the 
drawing.) 

* Never  (as  is  sometimes  ctone  by  ignorant  carpenters)  out  of  inch  boards. 


48 


COTTAGE  KESIDENCES. 


20 


lO 


1 


[Fig.  14.] 


Fig.  15  shows  a pair  of  chimney  shafts  in 
the  old  English  style,  which  may  be  had  in 
artificial  stone,  or  cast  iron.  A great  variety 
of  forms  are  frequently  collected  together  in  the 
same  stack. 

The  shutters  should  be  inside  box  shutters, 
or  shutter-blinds,  painted  and  grained  in  imita- 

ft 

tion  of  oak. 

Estimate . The  cost  of  this  cottage  in  brick- 
and-stucco  (bricks  at  $4)  would  be  $4500. 

[This  design  has  been  executed  in  various  parts  of  the 
country — sometimes  for  a trifle  more,  but  in  several  instances 
for  less  than  this  estimate.  It  has  lately  been  very  carefully 
carried  out  in  a residence  on  Staten  Island,  N.  Y.,  with  elabn 
rate  details,  for  $4800. — 4 th  Edition^] 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


49 


\ 

LAYING  OUT  THE  GARDEN  OF  DESIGN  II. 

The  situation  where  it  is  proposed  to  build  this  cottage,  is 
about  a mile  from  a country  town,  and  the  area  of  surface  for 
the  whole  purpose  is  about  an  acre  and  a fourth.  This  lot  of 
ground  is  bounded  by  a street  both  in  the  front  and  rear.  The 
entrance  is  at  a / the  dwelling  at  b / the  stable  at  c.  One  half 
of  the  whole  surface,  viz.  that  portion  represented  by  right 
lined  plots  in  the  rear  of  the  house,  is  devoted  to  a garden  for 
fruits  and  vegetables,  and  the  whole  remaining  portion,  com- 
prising the  space  in  front  and  at  the  sides  of  the  house,  is  laid 
out  as  a lawn,  shrubbery,  and  flower  garden,  in  the  picturesque 
manner.  The  carriage  road,  leading  to  the  front  door  and  to 
the  stable,  is  shown  at  d ; e , designates  irregular  beds  cut  in 
the  turf,  and  stocked  with  annuals  and  perennial  flowers  ; /j  a 
thick  shrubbery  belt,  composed  of  syringos,  mountain  ashes, 
and  lilacs,  interspersed  with  the  balsam  fir,  and  arbor  vitse,  to 
give  a cheerful  appearance  in  winter.  In  the  rear  of  the 
kitchen  are  planted  two  or  three  hemlocks  and  larches.  Two 
plots  of  grass  for  bleaching  and  drying  clothes  are  shown  at  g. 

In  the  ornamental  garden  before  the  house,  the  whole 
surface,  excepting  the  walks,  and  the  flower  beds,  0,  is  to  be 
laid  down  in  turf,  and  kept  neatly  mown.  This  turf  will  give 
an  appearance  of  much  greater  extent  to  the  area  than  it  could 
possibly  have  by  any  other  arrangement,  while  it  will  be  more 
agreeable  to  the  eye  through  the  whole  year,  than  any  exten- 
sive disposition  of  parterre,  or  flower  beds,  directly  under  the 
eye.  A fresh  verdant  lawn,  varied  only  by  walks  and  green 
trees,  is  a delightful  object  at  all  seasons,  and  more  especially 
in  the  middle  of  summer;  while  at  the  latter  period  flower 


50 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES, 


[Fig.  16.] 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


51 


beds  have  frequently  a dry  and  parched  appearance,  but 
poorly  compensated  for  by  ihe  brilliancy  of  a few  plants  in 
bloom,  which  scarcely  hide  the  surface. 

The  spiry  topped  trees  shown  in  these  plots,  are  chiefly  the 
European  Larch  and  the  Balsam  Fir,  with  one  or  two  White 
Pines,  all  of  which  harmonize  well  with  the  architecture  of  the 
cottage.  Among  the  round-headed  trees  we  will  only  particu- 
larize the  Osage  Orange  ( Maclura  aurantiaca),  the  Umbrella 
Magnolia  {M.  i/ripetala) , the  Weeping  Ash  ( Fmxinus  excelsior , 
penduld ),  and  the  Silver  Maple  {Acer  dasycarjpum).  Among 
the  shrubs  forming  little  thickets  along  the  walks,  we  would 
introduce  the  Mezereon  and  the  Cornelian  Cherry,  the  pink 
and  yellow  flowers  of  which  appear  in  March ; the  scarlet  and 
blush  Japan  Quince  {Cydonia  Japonica),  the  pink  and  double 
white  Hawthorns,  and  the  purple  and  white  fruited  Strawberry 
Trees  {Euonymus  eur ojpeus). 

The  walks  should  all  be  well  gravelled ; the  carriage  road 
being  first  excavated  twelve  inches  deep,  and  one  half  the 
depth  on  the  bottom  filled  with  small  stones,  in  order  to  have  it 
dry  and  firm  at  all  seasons. 

In  the  kitchen  garden,  the  borders  on  the  sides  of  the  central 
walk,  A,  are  occupied  by  two  rows  of  currants  and  gooseberries. 
The  currants  are  the  Large  White  and  Red  Dutch,  and  the 
Naples  or  Black  English.  The  gooseberries  are  half  a dozen 
of  the  best  English  sorts.  Both  currants  and  gooseberries  must 
be  kept  well  trimmed  and  thinned,  to  admit  the  air  freely  to 
every  part  of  the  plant,  and  the  borders  should  be  annually 
manured,  as  they  require  a rich  soil  to  produce  large  fruit. 
On  one  side  of  the  cross  walk,  is  a border  devoted  to  rasp- 


52 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


berries,  and  planted  with  the  large  Red  Antwerp,  and  the 
White  Antwerp,  in  equal  quantities. 

Within  the  boundary  fence  of  that  half  of  the  area  com 
prising  the  kitchen  garden,  is  a border,  fourteen  feet  wide  on 
the  sides,  and  twice  that  width  on  the  rear,  devoted  to  a small 
number  of  choice  fruits.  The  walk,  y,  is  covered  by  an  arbor 
for  grapes,  and  may  contain,  besides  the  native  sorts,  Catawba, 
Isabella,  etc.,  a few  vines  of  the  Royal  Muscadine,  Sweet 
Water,  and  Black  July,  which  are  among  the  hardiest  and 
most  productive  of  the  foreign  varieties.  Nearly  all  the  foreign 
grapes  require  much  care  to  be  raised  in  the  open  air.  For  a 
year  or  two  after  they  come  into  bearing,  the  crops,  it  is  gene- 
rally remarked,  are  good,  and  the  fruit  fair;  but  in  a few 
seasons  more,  the  mildew  attacks  the  fruit,  and  frequently 
destroys  every  bunch,  or  renders  it  worthless.  The  most 
successful  practice  for  out-of-door  culture,  appears  to  consist  in 
laying  down  some  of  the  long  thrifty  shoots  each  season,  so  as 
to  have  every  year,  or  every  other  year,  a succession  of  new 
roots — destroying  those  that  have  borne  two  good  crops,  and 
allowing  the  young  rooted  plants  to  take  their  place.  Lime 
and  marl  are  excellent  manures  for  the  grape. 


4 


DESIGN  III 


A Cottage  in  the  Pointed  ok  Tudor  Style. 


.Fig.  3. 


Fig".  4. 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


53 


DESIGN  III. 

A cottage  in  the  Pointed, , or  Tudor  style. 

This  edifice  is  designed  for  a situation  on  the  bank  of  one 
of  our  boldest  rivers.  From  its  site,  the  eye  wanders  over 
a richly  cultivated  country,  dotted  and  sprinkled  with  luxuriant 
groups  of  wood ; the  wide,  lake-like  expanse  of  water,  the 
sails  floating  lazily  on  its  bosom,  the  tufted  fringes  of  trees 
and  shrubs  in  the  foreground,  and  the  distant  hazy  summits 
of  blue  in  the  horizon,  are  all  fascinating  elements  of  the 
beautiful,  which  make  up  the  view  from  the  point  of  its 
location.  As  in  many  of  our  finest  natural  situations  for 
residences,  nature  has  done  so  much  here  to  render  the  scene 
lovely,  that  it  would  appear  that  man  had  only  to  borrow  a 
few  hints  from  the  genius  of  the  place,  and  the  home  features 
would  all  be  rendered  equally  delightful.  But  how  frequently 
do  we  see  those  who  seem  incapable  of  reading  the  wide  and 
ever  eloquent  book  of  natural  beauty,  deforming  its  fair  pages 
written  in  lines  of  grace  and  softness,  by  rigid  lines,  and  hard 
mathematical  angles,  only  too  plainly  indicative  of  the  most 
primitive  and  uncultivated  perceptions.  Let  us  hope,  by 
studying  the  character  of  the  whole  scene,  to  succeed  better  in 
improving  a very  small  portion  of  it. 

The  arrangement  of  the  cottage  we  propose  for  this  place, 
differs  from  the  previous  ones,  in  having  the  principal  floor 


54 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


devoted  almost  entirely  to  pleasant  apartments;  the  kitchen 
being  below,  and  the  bedrooms  above  stairs.  This  renders 
the  whole  air  of  the  house  somewhat  elegant.  A cottage 
like  this,  although  of  moderate  size,  in  the  hands  of  a family 
of  taste,  may  be  made  to  produce  a beautiful  effect.  While 
it  is  true,  that 


“ Here  no  state  chambers  in  long  line  unfold. 

Bright  with  broad  mirrors,  rough  with  fretted  gold. 
Yet,  modest  ornament  with  use  combined. 

Attracts  the  eye  to  exercise  the  mind.” 


And  while  there  are  no  superfluous  and  luxurious  apartments, 
nor  anything  requiring  the  attendance  of  a retinue  of  servants, 
there  is  much  here,  compactly  arranged,  to  render  a home 
pleasant  and  attractive.  The  neat  and  spacious  parlor,  18 
by  20  feet  (see  Fig.  18),  is  varied  in.  its  outline  by  an  old 
English  bay-window,  one  of  those  pleasant  nooks,  which, 
says  Lord  Bacon,  “ be  pretty  retiring  places  for  conference,” 
and  has  also  windows  opening  quite  to  the  floor  of  the  veranda, 
and  letting  in  a full  expanse  of  the  bright  green  lawn,  and 
tufts  of  rich  foliage  that  border  it.  This  room  would  afford 
some  scope  for  the  “ faire  ladye  ” to  exercise  her  taste  in  a 
simple,  elegant,  and  harmonious  style  of  fitting  and  furnishing  ; 
not  by  bringing  from  the  shops  the  latest  and  most  fashionable 
patterns  of  city  chairs  and  tables,  carpets  and  sofas, — which, 
we  are  sorry  to  say,  are  in  most  cases  destitute  of  all  appro- 
priateness, and  in  many,  of  all  intrinsic  taste  and  beauty, — 
but  by  selecting  articles  recommended  by  fitness  in  design, 
in  order  that  they  may  be  in  harmony  with  the  character  of 
the  house,  and  by  a tasteful  and  comfortable  character,  that 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


55 


they  may  suit  the  more  simple  and  unostentatious  habits  of 
country  life. 

The  dining-room  is  of  equal  size  with  the  drawing-room, 
and  as  the  family  who  are  to  occupy  this  cottage  villa,  live 
in  a pleasant  and  social  neighborhood,  and  are  in  the  habit, 
occasionally,  of  entertaining  a little  party  of  their  friends, 
they  thought  it  desirable  to  make  these  rooms  communicate 
by  sliding  doors,  in  order  that  they  may,  on  such  occasions, 
be  thrown  into  one.  The  rooms  will  then  have  a handsome 
effect,  as  the  bay-window  at  the  end  of  the  parlor  is  balanced 
by  a wide  mullioned  window  at  the  end  of  the  dining-room 
opposite,  and  the  whole  space  between  them  is  forty  feet. 
Fgr  the  convenience  of  the  menage,  we  have  located  a neat 
pantry  directly  in  contact  with  the  dining-room,  and  opening 
out  of  it,  so  that  the  china  and  plate,  or  the  little  delicacies 
of  the  larder,  may  be  under  the  eye,  or  what  is  better,  under 
the  lock  and  key  of  the  mistress.  As  the  kitchen  is  below 
stairs,  in  the  ordinary  mode  the  dishes  will  require  to  be 
brought  up  the  stairs  and  across  the  staircase  entry  to  reach 
the  table.  This  is  somewhat  objectionable,  inasmuch  as  a hot 
dinner  is  likely  to  become  cooled  in  this  long  state  of  transi- 
tion, the  china  is  liable  to  become  broken  by  an  occasional 
misstep,  and  the  privacy  of  the  hall  is  unnecessarily  intruded 
upon,  by  the  repeated  coming  and  going  of  the  domestics, 
arranging  the  dinner.  We  shall  endeavor  to  remedy  these 
difficulties,  by  placing  in  the  little  space  on  the  right  hand 
of  the  door  opening  from  the  dining-room  to  the  pantry,  what 
is  called  a rising  cupboard  or  dumb  waiter , which  will  be 
found  a more  careful,  more  obedient,  and  more  unobtrusive 
"help ’’than  any  other  in  the  house.  The  actual  size  of  this 


56 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


cupboard  need  not  be  more  than  twenty  inches  by  three  and 
a half  or  four  feet,  which  will  just  occupy  the  space  in  the 
pantry  that  is  of  little  value  for  any  other  purpose.  Or  if  it 
should  be  thought  desirable  to  have  it  a little  wider,  the  width 
may  be  increased  by  making  a small  recess  in  the  wall  of 
the  house.  Fig.  19  shows  the  manner  in  which  the  pantry 

may  be  finished  ; the  pantry 
being  on  the  right  side,  and 
the  dumb  waiter  (D  W)  on 
[Fig.  19]  the  left ; the  cupboard  rising 

in  the  pantry  to  the  height  of  three  feet,  and  descending 
through  the  floor  to  the  closet  in  the  kitchen.  The  mode 
of  constructing  this  is  shown  in  the  details  of  this  design, 


Fig.  28. 

It  will  be  seen  on  examining  the  plan  of  the  principal 
floor,  that  by  placing  the  stairs  in  a separate  passage  com- 
municating with  the  principal  hall,  this  hall  is  left  free 
and  unencumbered,  and  is  in  fact  a pretty  little  ante-room, 
twelve  by  sixteen  feet.  This  is  doubly  advantageous,  as 
the  servants  are  enabled  to  go  from  the  basement  to  the 
chamber  story  without  passing  through  the  principal  hall; 
thus  making  this  single  staircase  to  serve  the  purposes,  in  a 
great  measure,  of  the  two  frequently  seen  in  the  villas,  viz. 
the  stairs  in  the  hall  used  by  the  family,  and  the  private 
stairs  chiefly  used  by  the  domestics.  From  this  passage  also 
there  is  a private,  or  side  entrance  to  the  house,  by  an  outer 
door.  The  hall  is  lighted  by  two  small  windows  in  the  sides 
and  by  the  semi-glazed  door  as  shown  in  the  perspective 
elevation. 

We  have  as  yet  said  nothing  of  the  neat  little  library  on 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


57 


the  right  of  the  hall,  twelve  by  fourteen  feet  in  its  dimensions, 
where 


“ Selected  shelves  shall  claim  our  studious  hours.” 


But  there  is  no  portion  of  the  house  which,  to  a man  fond 
of  those  most  cheerful  and  never  tiresome  companions,  good 
books,  is  more  peculiarly  the  sanctum  or  u own  room,”  than 
the  library,  whether  it  be  small  or  large.  This,  though  small, 
is  sufficiently  ample  to  contain  all  the  best  books  ever  written ; 
large  enough  for  a comfortable  ruddy  fire  in  a damp  or  cold 
wintry  day,  and  for  an  ample  library  round-table  furnished 
with  the  necessary  materials  for  writing  and  correspondence 
of  all  kinds.  The  gentleman  who  is  to  occupy  this  cottage 
has,  besides  the  few  acres  on  which  this  residence  is  erected, 
a farm  where  he  practises  agriculture  in  an  amateur  manner, 
and  on  his  library  shelves  may  therefore  be  found  a few 
choice  works  on  rural  economy,  such  as  Loudon’s  Encyclo- 
paedias, Low’s  Practical  Agriculture,  Allen’s  American  Farm 
Book,  and  a number  of  others  of  similar  character,  and 
on  the  table  lie  the  last  numbers  of  our  most  valuable  and 
interesting  agricultural  periodicals.  The  library  being  fitted 
up  in  a plain  and  simple  manner,  answers  admirably  also 
as  an  office,  into  which  persons  who  call  to  see  the  master 
of  the  house  on  business  are  readily  shown  from  the  hall 
without  disturbing  the  family,  who  are  occupying  the  dining- 
room, or  parlor. 

The  veranda,  or  umbrage,  which  is  entered  by  windows 
opening  to  the  floor  of  the  two  principal  apartments,  is  a cool 
and  shady  place  for  a promenade,  and  we  need  hardly  repeat, 


58 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


commands  the  most  delightful  views,  as  this  is  the  river  front 
of  the  house. 

In  the  plan  of  the  second  floor,  which  is  before  us,  are 
accommodations  for  the  family  and  their  guests,  Fig.  20, 


[Fig.  20.] 


consisting  of  four  excellent  sleeping  apartments,  each  with 
a small  closet  attached.  Two  of  these  are  of  ample  size,  and 
as  it  might  be  desirable  to  many  to  have  in  them  a greater 
amount  of  closet  room,  it  may  be  easily  obtained  by  making 
a double  partition  between  these  apartments,  which  would 
allow  of  two  large  closets  in  the  space  thus  formed.  The 
bedroom,  twelve  by  twelve  feet,  over  the  hall,  is  a pretty 
lodging  apartment,  opening  through  a picturesque  old  English 
oriel  window  on  a balcony.  The  staircase  shown  in  this 
plan  gives  access  to  the  attic,  where  two  servants’  bedrooms 
are  located. 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


59 


The  basement  accommodation,  Fig.  21,  shows  an  entrance 
into  the  staircase  passage  by  a descent  of  steps ; a kitchen, 


[Fig.  21.] 


and  cellar  of  good  dimensions,  a servants’  sleeping  room  (whicii 
may  be  made  a laundry  if  preferred),  and  a small  store-room 
and  wine-cellar  conveniently  located. 

The  exterior  of  this  dwelling  is  designed  after  the  old 
English  architecture  of  the  Tudor  era,  a style  replete  with 
interesting  associations,  as  it  is  the  genuine  and  most  cha- 
racteristic mode  of  building  long  ago  prevalent  in  the  finest 
country-houses  of  England,  associated  by  “ lay  and  legend 
ten  times  told,”  with  all  that  is  brightest  and  noblest  in  the 
history  of  our  mother  country.  It  is  highly  picturesque, 
abounding  in  the  finest  specimens  with  a rich  variety  of 
gables,  turrets,  buttresses,  towers,  and  ornamental  chimney- 


60 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


shafts,  which  form  striking  and  spirited  objects  in  domestic 
architecture,  and  harmonize  agreeably  with  the  hills  and 
tree  tops,  and  all  the  intricacy  of  outline  in  natural  objects. 
And  finally  the  irregularity  of  its  outlines,  admitting  future 
additions  with  facility,  the  substantial  and  permanent  expres- 
sion of  its  exterior,  and  the  beauty  and  comfort  indicated  in 
the  richness,  variety,  and  size  of  its  windows,  all  point  out 
the  old  English  style,  in  its  various  modifications,  as  admirably 
adapted  by  beauty  and  fitness  for  domestic  purposes  in  a cold 
climate. 

This  cottage  being  of  very  moderate  size,  neither  demands, 
nor  would  with  propriety  admit,  a profusion  of  ornament, 
and  we  have  indeed,  for  the  sake  of  economy,  made  it 
assume  a character  and  a degree  of  decoration  comparatively 
simple,  still,  however,  preserving  a very  marked  and  distinct 
expression  of  the  style.  If  we  analyse  its  leading  features, 
we  shall  find  that  character  is  conferred  chiefly  by  the 
windows  and  the  chimney  tops,  the  two  most  essential  and 
characteristic  features  of  dwelling-houses  as  contrasted  with 
buildings  for  any  other  purposes ; and  to  which,  as  such, 
decoration  should  always  be  first  applied  rather  than  to 
any  less  essential  or  superadded  features ; for  example,  to 
columns  or  a colonnade.  Chimney  tops,  since  we  cannot 
dispense  with  them,  should  always  be  rendered  ornamental, 
both  because  strongly  expressive  of  comfort,  no  house  being 
tolerable  in  a cold  climate  without  fires,  and  on  account 
of  their  occupying  the  highest  part  of  the  building,  and 
therefore  being  most  likely  to  strike  the  eye  agreeably,  if 
appropriate,  or  offend  it  if  ugly  and  unshapely  in  form.  We 
have  shown  in  this  design  one  of  the  simplest  forms  o.' 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


61 


old  English  chimneys,  many  of  which  are  extremely  beau- 
tiful* 

An  edifice  in  this  style  should  be  built  of  none  but  the  most 
solid  materials.  Stone  would  be  the  most  appropriate,  as  it 
has  a substantial  and  durable  character  in  keeping  with  the 
style,  and  next  to  this,  brick,  or  brick  covered  with  the  best 
cement,  would  be  most  suitable.  To  erect  a dwelling  in  this 
style,  of  so  light  and  frail  a material  as  wood,  under  any 
circumstances,  would  be  a complete  violation  of  good  taste,  as 
there  would  be  an  entire  discordance  or  incongruity  between 
the  style  adopted  and  the  material  employed.  Where  wood 
is  the  only  material  within  our  reach,  some  lighter  and  more 
suitable  style  should  be  adopted,  and  the  result  will  then 
undoubtedly  be  more  satisfactory. 

A solecism  in  taste  which  we  have  several  times  witnessed 
with  pain  in  this  ceuntry,  and  which  we  will  therefore 
caution  our  readers  and  the  occupant  of  this  cottage  against, 
is  the  introduction  of  green  Minds , or  Venetian  shutters,  upon 
a building  in  the  pointed,  or  the  English  cottage  style.  This 
kind  of  shutter,  applied  to  the  outside  of  buildings,  belongs 
properly  to  the  Venetian,  Tuscan,  or  Italian  villas,  where  the 
architecture  is  lighter  and  more  fanciful,  and  the  windows 
are  frequently  mere  openings  for  the  circulation  of  air;  but 
to  cover  a handsome  or  quaint  old  English  window,  enriched 
by  decorative  mullions  and  window-heads,  with  an  outside 
shutter  belonging  to  a totally  different  style  of  building,  and 


* By  an  error  in  the  engraving,  the  base  of  each  stack  of  chimneys  in  the 
elevation  of  this  design  is  made  to  appear  too  low ; a more  correct  proportion  ie 
shown  in  the  details,  Fig.  15. 


62 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


painted  a bright  green , is  as  revolting  to  a mind  imoued  with 
correct  principles  of  taste,  as  to  cover  the  venerable  head  of 
a staid  gentleman  of  the  old  school  with  the  flaunting  head- 
dress of  an  Italian  peasant  girl.  Outside  shutters  of  any 
description  are  barely  admissible  in  this  style  of  architec- 
ture, as  they  conceal  one  of  the  chief  sources  of  interest  in 
the  exterior.  But  as  the  walls  are  thick,  inside  shutters,  or 
even  inside  blinds,  are  easily  introduced.  The  latter  may  be 
made  to  fold  into  window  casings  like  ordinary  box  shutters, 
where  they  will  serve  the  purposes  of  both  shutters  and 
blinds : and  will  be  found  more  convenient  and  more  appro- 
priate than  outside  blinds,  without  violating  correct  principles 
of  art. 

The  interior  of  this  cottage  may  be  finished  in  a very 
simple  manner.  But  the  effect  will  be  far  more  consistent 
and  satisfactory,  if  some  attention  is  paid  to  keeping  up  the 
pointed,  or  old  English  character,  in  the  finish  of  at  least 
the  principal  apartments.  This  may  be  done  without  incur- 
ring any  extra  expense,  merely  by  employing  Gothic,  or 
pointed  mouldings  and  details  in  the  trimmings  of  the  doors 
and  windows,  the  forms  of  the  cornices  and  chimney  pieces. 
As  there  are  now  numerous  examples  of  this  style  of  dwell- 
ing in  the  middle  States,  there  will  be  little  or  no  difficulty 
in  procuring  the  necessary  forms  of  designs,  moulds,  and 
planes,  for  a cottage  of  this  kind.  A person  whose  taste  is 
sufficiently  cultivated  to  induce  him  to  desire  such  a dwelling 
as  this,  will  naturally  inform  himself  of  the  actual  effect, 
both  as  regards  the  interior  and  exterior  finish,  by  inspection 
of  the  best  example  of  the  style  within  his  reach  ; or,  for  a 
small  sum,  he  may  obtain  from  an  architect  the  working 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


63 


drawings  necessary  for  the  complete  execution  of  the  "whole,  by 
the  builders  employed,  in  the  most  correct  manner. 

A harmonious  and  pleasing  effect  is  produced  in  houses  in 
the  old  English  style,  by  painting  and  graining  the  wood- 
work in  imitation  of  oak  or  black  walnut.  This  is  partly 
owing,  no  doubt,  to  the  allusion  thus  awakened  in  the  mind, 
to  the  “ old  oaken  wainscots,”  always  so  characteristic  a 
feature  in  the  antique  houses  in  this  style,  but  partly,  also, 
to  the  mellow  and  furnished  look  which  the  warm  and  dark 
tone  of  the  wood  gives  to  the  apartments.  In  an  economical 
point  of  view,  it  has  also  the  great  recommendation  of  being 
kept  clean  and  bright,  with  one  twentieth  part  of  the  labor 
expended  in  maintaining  wood-work,  painted  white,  in  its 
original  purity. 

Details.  In  the  construction  of  a cottage  in  the  pointed 
style,  attention  should  be  paid  to  an  unity  of  design  in  all 
parts  of  the  building.  One  of  the  most  essential  principles 
in  this  style,  is  the  recognition  of  the  arch,  in  some  manner, 
in  all  the  principal  openings.  In  public  buildings,  all  windows 
and  doors  terminate  upward  in  the  pointed  arch ; in  domestic 
architecture  this  would  often  be  inconvenient,  as  in  the  case 
of  windows  in  apartments  on  the  first  floor,  where  inside 
shutters  are  required.  The  windows  are  generally  therefore 
square-headed,  but  the  principle  of  the  arch  appears  in  the 
moulded  window  tracery. 

In  Eig.  22  is  shown  a small  portion  of  the  veranda  on  the 
river  front,  with  its  appropriate  columns,  and  the  archway 
between. 


64 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


" [Fig.  22  ] 


A portion  of  the  balcony  to  the  oriel  window  is  shown  in 
Fig.  23.  In  Fig.  24,  is  shown  one  of  the  dormer  windows  of 


[Fig.  23.] 

the  front  elevation.  For  the  section  and  plan  of  the  lower 
windows,  see  Fig.  12,  of  Design  I. 

The  section  or  profile  of  the  lanel,  or  lintel  of 
the  window,  is  shown  in  Fig.  25 ; and  that  of  the 
wall-coping,  in  Fig.  26 ; both  to  the  scale  of  half  an 
inch  to  a foot. 

[Pig.  25.] 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


65 


A stack  of  chimneys  suitable  for  this  cot- 
tage, is  shown  in  Fig.  27,  which  may  be  built 
of  brick  ; the  chimney  tops  being  8 feet  high, 
above  the  base  or  square  platform.  The  flues 
may  be  square  or  semicircular  within  (the  lat- 
ter is  preferable),  and  ten  or  twelve  inches 
in  diameter.  Circular  flues  are  easily  formed 
by  building  round  a cylinder  of  tin,  which  is 
worked  upwards  by  turning  it  with  the  hand 
as  the  chimney  is  carried  up.  The  interior 
of  the  flue  next  the  cylinder  is  covered  with 
mortar  in  building,  and  the  gradual  with- 
drawal of  the  cylinder  upwards,  leaves  a 
smooth  plastered  surface. 

A section  showing  the  construction  of 
the  rising  cupboard,  or  dumb  waiter,  is  shown  in  Fig.  28. 
In  this  section,  the  floor  of  the  pantry  is  indicated  at  f, 

the  portion  above  being  enclosed  in 
a sort  of  sideboard  or  closet  in  the 
pantry,  and  the  part  below  in  a simi- 
lar closet  in  the  basement.  At  a,  is 
the  cupboard  with  three  shelves.  This 
cupboard,  with  the  dishes  it  will  con- 
tain, is  balanced  by  the  weight,  c , at 
the  end  of  a rope,  passing  over  the 
pulleys,  5,  which  are  attached  to  the 
top  of  the  cupboard.  This,  with  a 
slight  impetus,  sends  the  loaded  cup- 
board up  to  the  top ; it  is  drawn  down 
by  a small  wheel  and  crank,  d , with  a similar  cord  or  leathern 
5 


66 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


strap,  attached  to  the  bottom  of  the  cupboard.  This  wheel  and 
crank  are  fixed  firmly  at  the  bottom  of  the  trunk  in  which  the 
cupboard  moves,  and  about  a foot  and  a half  above  the  floor 
of  the  kitchen.  The  top  of  the  trunk,  or  that  part  above  the 
floor,  is  disguised,  and  rendered  ornamental,  by  the  neat 

sideboard  or  closet  covering  it,  which  opens  in  front  to  allow 

* 

the  dishes  to  be  taken  out. 

Estimate . If  this  cottage  is  built  of  brick  and  stucco,  with 
cut  stone  labels  to  the  windows,  and  finished  in  a consistent 
and  appropriate,  though  simple  manner  in  the  interior,  it  will 
cost  about  $3500.  Built  of  quarried  stone,  where  the  latter  is 
not  abundant,  it  would  probably  cost  $4800. 


THE  GROUNDS  OF  DESIGN  III. 

The  situation  of  the  ground,  four  acres  in  extent,  upon 
which  this  dwelling  is  to  be  erected,  we  have  already  partly 
described.  It  is  nedIHy  a parallelogram,  one  end  of  which 
borders  the  public  road  and  the  other  is  bounded  by  the  river. 
In  its  original  state,  before  operations  were  commenced,  the 
place  appeared  only  a simple  meadow,  the  land  of  fair  quality, 
and  the  surface  level,  or  nearly  so,  between  the  road  and  the 
site  of  the  house,  but  sloping  off  to  the  river,  in  some  parts 
gently,  and  in  others  more  abruptly,  about  100  feet  beyond  the 
veranda  on  the  river  side  of  the  house,  at  A,  Fig.  29.  The  best 
soil  for  a garden  appeared  to  be  on  the  left  of  the  property, 
and  we  accordingly  located  the  kitchen  garden,  f,  and  the 
orchard  of  choice  fruits,  </,  in  this  quarter. 

As  it  was  not  thought  desirable  by  the  owner  of  this  place 
to  expend  much  in  keeping  the  place  in  order,  beyond  what 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


67 


labor  might  be  required  in  the  kitchen  garden,  few  walks  are 
introduced,  except  such  as  are  actually  necessary  or  convenient. 
Of  these  the  most  essential  in  every  place  is  the  entrance  road, 
or  Approach,  5,  which  leaves  the  public  road  in  this  example 


[Fig.  29.] 


68 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


at  a , that  point  being  indicated  as  most  suitable  by  the 
situation  of  the  ground,  and  by  the  shelter  and  effect  which 
will  be  given  to  the  entrance  gate  by  two  or  three  large  tree 
found  growing  there.  There  is  a gravelled  area  in  front  of  the 
house,  upon  which  carriages  may  turn,  and  at  the  extremity  of 
this  road  are  the  stable,  d , and  stable  yard,  e.  Next  to  the 
Approach,  the  most  desirable  walk  is  one  for  exercise,  leading 
over  more  secluded  parts  of  the  place,  or  to  spots  enjoying 
beautiful  or  extensive  prospects.  In  a place  of  small  extent,  it 
is  desirable  to  have  this  walk  as  long  as  possible,  which  is 
generally  effected  by  making  the  circuit  of  the  space  offered, 
keeping  at  such  a distance  from  boundary  fences  that  they  may 
not  be  obtrusive.  Such  a walk  is  shown  at  a,  which  leaving 
the  veranda,  on  the  river  front  of  the  house,  proceeds  in  easy 
curves,  shaded  by  occasional  groups  of  trees,  over  the  whole 
area  between  the  house  and  the  river. 

On  the  right  of  the  house,  looked  out  upon  from  the  bay 
window  of  the  parlor,  is  a small  area  of  smooth  turf,  sur- 
rounded by  the  walk,  k , and  containing  some  irregular  beds 
and  circles,  cut  in  the  turf,  devoted  to  choice  flowers.  At 
Z,  on  the  left,  is  a corresponding  walk,  serving  the  purpose 
of  connecting  the  two  principal  walks,  which  is  thickly 
bordered  with  ornamental  shrubbery.  With  the  exception 
of  a few  vines  on  the  veranda,  and  shrubs  near  the  house, 
these  two  small  walks,  with  their  accompaniments  of  flowers 
and  shrubs,  comprise  all  the  ornamental  details  of  the  place 
requiring  much  care.  All  that  portion  of  the  grounds  between 
the  public  road  and  the  line  A,  is  in  lawn  or  grass,  and  is  kept 
short  by  repeated  mowings  during  summer.  At  A,  is  a slight 
paling  fence  rendered  inconspicuous  by  painting  it  dark  green. 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


69 


This  fence- follows  the  lower  line  of  the  ridge,  and  from  the 
house  is  not  visible,  on  account  of  the  slope  of  the  ground 
just  above  that  line ; the  fence  being  six  or  eight  feet  below 
the  level  of  the  platform  on  which  the  house  stands.  The  area 
embraced  between  this  fence  and  the  river  is  also  in  grass,  but 
which  here,  however,  is  kept  short  by  the  pasturage  of  a cow, 
or  a few  sheep. 

Instead  of  this  fence  of  pales  a sunk  fence  or  ha-Jia , might 
be  preferred,  and  where  stone  is  abundant  it  would  not  be 
more  expensive.  The  construction  of  such  a fence  will  be 
easily  understood  by  referring  to  the  accompanying  section, 
Fig.  30,  in  which  a is  the  level  of  the  ground,  falling  off 


a 


gradually  at  5,  where  a wall  3|-  feet  deep,  open  on  the  side 
facing  the  declining  surface,  would  form  an  effectual  protection 
against  cattle  on  the  lower  side.  It  is  evident  from  the  section 
shown  here,  that,  to  a person  standing  at  a , the  fence  and 
depressed  surface  at  its  bottom  not  being  seen,  there  would  be 
no  apparent  barrier  or  interruption  to  the  view  across  the 
whole  space  to  the  river.  Such  a fence,  it  should  be  remarked, 
must,  as  in  the  present  case,  run  across  the  surface  to  be 
looked  over,  and  not  in  any  direction  parallel  to  the  line  of 


TO 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


vision.  In  commencing  the  description  of  this  place,  it  was 
remarked  that  the  few  fine  trees  already  growing  on  it  gave 
it  a considerable  degree  of  character.  The  majority  of  these 
were  oaks  and  chestnuts  of  good  size,  and  as  the  expression 
of  dignity  and  picturesqueness  inherent  in  these  trees  is  in 
excellent  keeping  with  the  style  of  this  dwelling,  it  will  be 
advisable  to  maintain  the  character  by  planting  chiefly  round- 
headed  trees,  rather  than  drooping  trees  like  the  elm,  'which 
are  mainly  expressive  of  gracefulness.  Near  the  house,  a few 
Larches  and  Hemlocks  are  also  introduced,  as  the  spirited 
forms  of  these  trees,  contrasted  with  the  round-headed  ones, 
will  add  to  the  picturesque  character  of  the  architecture. 

•At  the  end  of  this  section  we  shall  give  a list  of  the  finest 
ornamental  trees  classed  according  to  height  and  other 
qualities,  and  another  of  shrubs,  from  which  selections  may 
be  made  for  planting  this  and  other  designs.  ¥e  shall,  in 
relation  to  these,  only  remark  at  present  that,  in  order  to 
insure  a rapid  and  vigorous  growth  to  these  trees,  the  holes, 
previously  to  planting  them,  should  be  thoroughly  prepared 
by  throwing  out  the  soil  two  feet  in  depth,  and  from  three  to 
six  feet  in  diameter,  and  mixing  it  intimately  with  a plentiful 
supply  of  compost  or  well  rotted  manure,  before  returning 
it  to  the  holes  in  planting.  When  a tree  is  planted  in  the 
ordinary  manner  without  preparation,  from  the  poverty  of  the 
soil,  and  the  closeness  of  those  portions  of  it  adjacent  to  the 
roots  of  the  newly  moved  tree,  it  requires  a year  or  two  to 
recover  from  the  removal,  and  advances  afterwards  in  its 
growth  only  in  a feeble  and  tardy  manner.  On  the  other 
hand,  where  the  holes  are  carefully  prepared,  the  soil  furnished 
with  a plentiful  supply  of  nutriment,  and  rendered  loose  and 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


T1 

easily  permeable  by  the  light  and  air,  as  well  as  by  Lie  roots, 
the  newly  transplanted  tree  soon  establishes  itself,  and  makes 
rapid  and  luxuriant  shoots.  In  many  soils  it  will  be  found 
that  this  previous  preparation  will  insure  a growth  more  than 
four  times  as  vigorous  as  that  resulting  from  the  usual  hasty 
and  careless  mode  of  planting  without  preparation ; and  it  is 
therefore  better  policy,  where  effect  is  speedily  desired,  to 
plant  a few  trees  in  the  best  manner,  than  a great  number  in 
the  ordinary  careless  mode. 

Another  very  erroneous  practice,  of  frequent  occurrence 
with  planters  of  little  experience  in  the  United  States, 
consists  in  planting  the  tree  too  deep.  This  is  not  only  to 
the  eye  contrary  to  nature,  and  in  violation  therefore  of 
correct  taste,  but  it  is  destructive  to  the  health  of  the 
tree,  by  placing  the  mass  of  young  roots  below  the  genial 
influence  of  the  atmosphere.  Treated  in  this  manner,  trees 
will  frequently  struggle  against  the  adverse  situation  for 
years,  without  ever  attaining  any  considerable  degree  of 
luxuriance. 

If  we  observe  a tree  growing  in  a natural  state  after  it  has 
attained  some  size,  we  must  at  once  remark  that  the  base  of  the 
trunk,  or  that  part  nearest  the  ground,  is  much  larger  than  the 
same  trunk  a few  inches  above ; and  that  in  consequence  of 
the  development  of  roots  just  below  this  point,  the  tree  appears 
to  stand  on  a base  a little  elevated  above  the  level  of  the 
ground  above  it.  This  gives  it  an  appearance  of  strength  and 
dignity,  and  connects  it,  by  a natural  transition,  with  the 
surface  around  it.  Uow  a tree,  however  large,  which  has  been 
planted  too  deep,  presents  no  ajypearance  of  this  kind,  but  rises 
out  of  the  level  ground  without  any  base,  in  a manner  precisely 


72 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


similar  to  a post.  In  order  to  prevent  this  appearance,  it  is 
advisable,  in  planting,  to  set  out  the  trees  on  a hillock,  a few 
iuches  raised  above  the  surface,  in  order  that  they  may,  when 
the  ground  settles  about  them,  have  a natural  appearance  to 
the  eye,  and  that  the  roots  may  also  be  placed  in  the  most 
favorable  condition. 

We  have  arranged  the  trees  to  be  planted  on  the  lawn, 
in  this  design,  as  in  most  of  the  others,  in  the  natural  style 
of  landscape  gardening — that  is,  with  a view  to  the  production 
of  natural  beauty.  This  is  effected  by  planting  the  trees  in 
irregular  groups,  or  singly,  in  a manner  somewhat  similar 
to  that  in  which  they  occur  in  nature,  avoiding  straight  lines 
and  parallel  rows,  because  such  lines  indicate  a formal  art, 
never  found  in  natural  landscape.  At  the  same  time  the 
effect  will  be  not  the  less  indicative  of  elegant  art,  which  will  be 
evinced,  1st,  In  the  employment  of  many  exotic  trees,  or  those 
obviously  not  natives  of  this  part  of  the  country,  as  the  Horse 
Chestnut,  or  the  European  Linden ; 2d,  In  the  space  allowed 
for  the  trees  to  develope  themselves  fully  in  the  lawn  from 
h to  #,  and  in  the  more  park-like  forms  which  they  will  there- 
fore assume  in  time  : and  3d,  In  the  manner  in  which  these 
trees  are  arranged .*  The  latter  consists  in  concealing  all 

objects  which  would  not  add  to  the  beauty  of  the  scene  by  an 
irregular  plantation,  as  for  example,  the  fence  of  the  kitchen 
garden  at  m,  or  the  out-buildings  at  d ; in  planting  the  borders 
of  the  Approach,  and  of  all  walks,  so  as  to  give  an  obvious 


* Landscape  gardening,  as  an  art,  does  not  consist,  as  many  seem  to  suppose,  in 
producing  a counterfeit  of  nature,  but  in  idealizing  natural  beauty  in  a lawn,  park, 
or  garden. 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES.) 


73 


reason  (when  none  other  exists)  for  the  curves  of  such  walks,, 
as  well  as  to  shade  or  shelter  them ; and  in  contrasting  these 
plantations  by  broad  open  glades  of  turf,  n.  On  the  river  side 
of  the  house,  the  trees  should  he  so  arranged  as  not  to  shut  out 
any  important  portion  of  the  prospect. 

It  is  preferred  in  this  design,  not  to  have  any  spot  especially 
devoted  to  a flower  garden,  hut  in  its  place  to  assemble  a 
showy  and  select  collection  of  flowers,  in  beds  dug  in  the  turf, 
bordering  the  walk  near  the  house.  In  this  way  the  flowers 
are  brought  near  the  house,  and  their  beauty  enjoyed,  without 
destroying  the  simplicity  and  general  effect  of  the  place,  by 
cutting  off  a separate  space  for  a flower  garden. 

In  laying  out  the  kitchen  garden,  the  border  within  the 
boundary  is  devoted  to  fruit  trees,  as  designated  on  the  plan, 
with  the  exception  of  a small  space  in  the  corner  adjoining  the 
stable  yard,  0,  for  hot  beds.  There  is  a separate  entrance  for  a 
cart  or  wagon  to  this  yard,  or  to  the  kitchen  garden,  by  a road 
on  the  left  of  the  kitchen  garden.  The  interior  of  the  latter  is 
left  free  for  growing  vegetables ; and  a select  collection  of  fruit 
is  planted  in  the  small  orchard,  g.  This  little  orchard,  together 
with  the  border  set  apart  in  the  kitchen  garden,  if  planted 
with  the  selection  of  fruit  trees,  forty-two  in  number,  given  for 
this  purpose  in  a succeeding  page,  will  furnish  a moderate 
supply  to  the  family,  through  the  greater  part  of  the  year. 
They  are  to  be  cultivated  as  standards,  unless  the  proprietor 
prefers  training  them  in  the  kitchen  garden  as  espaliers,  and 
the  ground  in  the  orchard,  y,  is  to  be  devoted  to  potatoes, 
beets,  turnips,  or  other  roots,  both  for  the  purpose  of  turning 
the  ground  to  account,  and  of  promoting  the  growth  of  the 
trees. 


n 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


List  of  the  finest  hardy  ornamental  trees  of  foreign  and  native 
growth , for  planting  in  groups  and  masses . 

CLASS  I. 


Deciduous  trees  of  the  largest  size,  and  of  very  rapid  growth. 


Cut-leaved  Alder, 

Norway  Maple,  - 
Sugar  Maple,  - 
Silver  Maple,  - 
Catalpa,  - 
Spanish  Chestnut, 

European  Ash,  - 
American  White  do.  - 
Three  Thorned  Acacia, 

Tulip  Tree,  - 
European  Larch,  - 
American  do.,  - 
Oriental  Plane,  or  Sycamore, 
Lombardy  Poplar, 

Silver-leaved  Aspen,  or  Abele, 
Cdtton  Wood  do. 

Yellow  Locust,  - 
Weeping  Willow, 

Huntington  do,  - 
American  Linden, 

European  do.  - 
Red-twigged  do.  - 
American  White,  or  Drooping  ! 


- Alnus  laciniata. 

- Acer  platanoides. 

Acer  saccharinum. 

• Acer  dasycarpum. 

- Catalpa  syringccfolia. 
Castanea  vesca. 

- Fraxinus  excelsior. 

do.  americana. 

- Gleditschia  triacanthos. 

- Liriodendron  iulipifera. 
Larix  europcca. 

do.  microcarpa. 
Platanus  orientalis. 
Populus  dilitata. 
do.  alba, 
do.  angulata. 
Robinia  pseud-acacia. 
Salix  babylonica. 
do.  alba. 

- Tilia  glabra, 
do.  europcea. 
do.  rubra. 

m,  Ulmus  americana. 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


75 


English  Eim,  - 
Dutch,  or  Cork-barked  Elm,  - 
Scotch,  or  Wych  Elm,  - 


Ulmus  campestris. 
do.  suberosa. 
do.  monlana. 


CLASS  II. 

Deciduous  trees  of  the  largest  size , and  of  moderate  growth. 


White  Horse  Chestnut, 
Scarlet  Maple,  - 
Sycamore  do.  - 
Scotch  Weeping  Birch, 
Black  Birch,  - 
American  Beech,  - 
Kentucky  Coffee, 

Sassafras  Tree,  - 
Liquidamber,  or  Sweet  Gum, 
Cucumber  Magnolia,  - 
American  White  Oak,  - 
do  Scarlet  do.  - 
Overcup  Oak,  - 
English  do.  - 
Lucombe’s  Seedling  Oak, 
Willow-leaved  do. 
American  Cypress, 


JEsculus  hippocastanum. 
Acer  rubrum. 
do.  pseudo-platanus. 
Betula  alba , pendula. 

do.  lenta. 

Fagus  americana. 
Gymnocladus  canadensis. 
Laurus  sassafras. 
Liquidamber  slyraciflua 
Magnolia  acuminata. 
Quercus  alba, 
do.  coccinea. 
do.  macrocarpa. 
do.  Robur. 

do.  lucombeana. 

do.  phellos. 

Taxodium  disticham. 


CLASS  III. 


Deciduous  trees  of  medium  size , and  of  rapid  growth 

Buckeye,  or  Western  Horse  Chestnut,  Pavia  rubra. 

Pale  Yellow  do.  - do.  flavia. 


76 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


Weeping  Ash,  - 
Umbrella  Magnolia, 

Large  leaved  do.  - 
Ash  leaved  Maple, 

Osage  Orange,  - 
Double  Flowering  Cherry,  - 
Ringlet  Willow,  - 
Wahoo  Elm,  - 


Fraxinus  excelsior , pendula , 
Magnolia  tripetala. 

do.  macrophylla. 
Negundo  fraxinifolia. 
Maclura  aurantiaca. 
Cerasus  Jlore  pleno. 

Salix  annularis. 

Ulmus  alata. 


CLASS  IV. 


Deciduous  trees  of  medium  size , and  moderate  growth. 


Papaw,  or  Western  Custard  Apple, 
Red  Bird,  or  Judas  Tree, 

White  flowering  Dogwood,  - 
Scotch  Laburnum,  - 
Persimon,  or  American  Medlar, 
Purple  leaved  Beech,  - 
Yellow  Magnolia,  - 
Sour  Gum,  - 
Paper  Birch,  - 
Japan  Ginko  Tree,  - 
European  Mountain  Ash, 

American  do.  do.  - 


Anona  triloba. 

Cercis  canadensis. 

Cornus  Jloi'ida. 

Cytissus  alpinus . 
Diospyrus  virginiana. 
Fagus  sylvatica , purpurea. 
Magnolia  cordata. 

Nyssa  villosa. 

Betula  papyracea. 
Salisburia  adiantifolia. 
Sorbus  aucuparia. 
do.  americana. 


Hardy  Evergreen  Trees. 

Norway  Spruce  Fir,  - 

Abies 

picea. 

Double  Black  Spruce  Fir,  - 

do. 

nigra. 

Balsam,  or  Balm  of  Gilead,  - 

do. 

balsamea. 

Hemlock  Fir,  - 

do. 

canadensis. 

White,  or  Weymouth  Pine,  - 

Pinus  strobus. 

Yellow  Pine,  - 

do. 

variabilis. 

COTTAGE  KESIDENCES. 


English  Yew,  - Taxus  baccata. 

American  Arbor  Vitae,  - - - Thuya  occidentalism 


CLASS  V. 

Hardy  shrubs  growing  from  § to  20  feet  high. 


Hercules  Club,  - 
Snow-Drop,  or  White  Fringe  Tree, 
Narrow  leaved  do.  - 

Laburnum,  or  Golden  chain, 
Weeping  do.  - 

Yellow  Bladder  Senna, 

Pink  flowering  Hawthorn,  - 
New  Scarlet  do.  - 

Double  White  do.  - 

Cornelian  Cherry,  - 

European  Strawberry  Tree,  or 
Burning  Bush,  - 

White  Fruited  do. 

Purple  Flowering  do. 

American  do. 

Silver  Bell  Tree,  - 
Althea  Frutex,  or  Rose  of  Sharon, 
many  sorts  and  colors,  - 
Silvery  Buckthorn,  - 

Chinese  Kolreuteria,  - 

Snowy  Flowered  Mespilus,  - 
Glaucous,  or  Swamp  Magnolia, 
Carolina  large  flowering  Syringo, 
Common  Fragrant  do.  - 

Semi-double  do.  - 

Hop  Tree, 


Aralia  spinosa. 

Chionanthus  virginica. 
do.  maritima. 

Cytissus  laburnum. 

do.  do.  pendula. 

Colutea  arborescens. 

Crategus  oxycantha , var. 
do.  do.  var. 
do.  do.  fl.  pi. 

Cornus  m,ascula. 

Euonymus  europceus. 

do.  do.  fructu  alba . 

do.  atropurpureus. 

do.  americanus. 

Halesia  tetraptera. 

Hibiscus  syriacus. 

Hippophae  rhamnoides. 

Kolreuteria  paniculata. 

Mespilus  botryapium. 

Magnolia  glauca. 

Philadelphus  grandiforus. 
do.  coronarius. 

do.  scmi-pleno. 

Ptelea  trifoliata.. 


78 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


Venetian  Sumac,  or  Purple  Fringe 

Tree, 

Shrubby  Yellow  Robinia, 
Silvery-leaved  Shepherdia,  or  Buf- 
falo berry,  - 

Three-leaved  Bladder  Nut,  - 
White  and  Purple  Lilacs, 

White  and  Purple  Persian  Lilacs, 
Cut  leaved  do.  - 

French  Tamarisk,  - 

Snow-ball,  or  Guelder  Rose, 
Way-faring  Tree,  - 


Rhus  cotinus. 
Robinia  fruicscens. 

Shepherdia  argentea . 
Siaphylea  trifoliata. 
Spring  a vulgaris . 
do.  persica. 
do.  laciniala. 
Tamarix  gallica. 
Viburnum  opulus. 
do.  lantana. 


CLASS  VI. 


Hardy  shrubs , growing  from  1 to  6 or  8 feet  high. 


Indigo  Shrub,  - 

Dwarf  White  Horse  Chestnut, 

Groundsel  Tree,  . 

Sweet  Scented  Shrub, 
Fragrant  Clethra, 

Panicled  flowered  Clethra,  - 
Red  flowering  Bladder  Senna, 
Scorpion  Senna,  - 
Bloody  twigged  Dogwood,  - 
Cluster  flowered  Cytissus,  - 
Scarlet  Japan  Quince,  - 
Blush,  or  White  do. 

Pink  Mezereon,  - 
White  Mezereon, 

Oak  leaved  Hydrangea, 

Italian  yellow  Jasmine, 


Amorpha  fruticosa. 
JEsculus  macrostachya . 
Baccharis  halimifolia. 
Calycanthus  jloridus. 
Clethra  alnifolia. 

do.  paniculata. 
Colutea  arborescens. 
Coronilla  emerus. 
Cornus  sanguinea. 
Cytissus  capitatus. 
Cydonia  j aponica. 

do.  alba. 

Daphne  mezereum. 
Daphne  m.  album. 
Hydrangea  quercifolia . 
Jasminum  humile. 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


79 


Japan  Yellow  Globe  Flower, 

- 

Kerria  j aponica. 

Common  Privet,  or  Prim, 

Tartarian  Upright,  or  Tree  Honey- 

Liguslrum  vulgare. 

suckle,  - 

- 

Lonicera  tartarica. 

White  flowering  Honeysuckle, 

- 

do.  alba. 

Black  berried  do. 

- 

do.  nigrum. 

English  fly  do. 

- 

do.  xylosteum. 

Dwarf  Syringo,  - 

- 

Philadelphus  nanus. 

Shrubby  Cinquefoil, 

- 

Potentilla  fruticosa. 

Double  Purple  Tree  Poeony, 

- 

Pceonia  moutan  Banksia 

Single  Pink  and  Purple  do.  - 

- 

do.  papaveracea. 

Double  Rose  colored  do.  - 

- 

do.  rosea. 

Rose  Acacia,  - 

- 

Robinia  hispida. 

Shrubby  Caragana, 

- 

do.  caragana. 

Corymbose  Spirea, 

- 

Spirea  corymbosa. 

Panicled  do. 

- 

do.  paniculata. 

Pretty  flowering  Spirea, 

- 

do.  bella. 

Sorb  leaved  do. 

- 

do.  sorbifolia. 

Red  flowering  do. 

- 

do.  tomentosa. 

St.  Peter’s  Wreath, 

- 

do.  hypericifolia. 

Snowberry  (white  fruit), 

- 

Symphoria  racemosa. 

Indian  Currant  (red  fruit),  - 

- 

do.  glomerata . 

Rose  Weigela,  - 

- 

Weigela  rosea. 

Parsley  leaved  Yellow-Root, 

- 

Zanthoriza  apiifolia. 

Evergreen  Shrubs. 

Tree  Box,  - 

- 

Buxus  arborescens. 

American  Holly,  - 

European  do.,  rather  tender  at  the 

Ilex  opaca. 

north , - 

- 

Ilex  aquifolium. 

Swedish  Juniper,  - 

- 

Juniperus  suecia. 

Common  Laurel,  or  Kalmia, 

- 

Kalmia  latifolia. 

American  Rhododendron, 

- 

Rododendron  maximum. 

80 


COTTAGE  KESIDENCES. 


Selection  of  very  choice  fruits , for  the  small  orchard  of  42  trees. 


CHERRIES. 

1 Knight’s  early  Black. 

1 Mayduke. 

1 Tartarian. 

1 Downer’s  late. 

PEARS. 

2 Bartlett. 

2 Seckel. 

2 Beurre  Bose. 

1 Dearborn’s  Seedling. 

1 Winter  Nelis. 

1 Bloodgood’s  Early. 

2 Marie  Louise. 

1 Beurre  Diel. 

PLUMS. 

1 Coe’s  Golden  Drop. 

1 Washington. 

1 Green  Gage. 

1 Imperial  Ottoman. 

I Jefferson. 


PEACHES. 

2 George  the  IV. 

2 Early  Newington. 

2 Morris  White. 

1 Early  York. 

1 Large  White  Cling. 

1 Crawford’s  late. 

APPLES. 

2 Newtown  Pippin. 

1 Yellow  Harvest. 

1 Fall  Pippin. 

2 Baldwin. 

1 Rhode  Island  Greening. 
1 Yellow  Bellflower. 

'1  Northern  Spy. 

APRICOTS. 

1 Moorpark. 

1 Breda. 

NECTARINES* 
1 Early  Violet. 

1 Downton. 


Total  42 


DESIGN  IV. 


An  Oknamental  Fakm  House. 


Fig.  31. 


Fig.  32. 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


81 


DESIGN  I Y. 

An  Ornamental  Farm-House . 

In  designing  this  farm-house,  we  have  had  two  objects  in 
view ; first  to  offer  to  the  large  class  of  intelligent  farmers  a 
plan  of  a house  of  moderate  size,  somewhat  adapted  in  internal 
accommodation  to  their  peculiar  wants  : and  second,  to  give  to 
the  exterior,  at  little  additional  cost,  some  architectural  beauty. 
The  first  object,  it  is  evident,  must  ever  be  the  principal  one  in 
a farmer’s  dwelling,  and  therefore  everything  should  yield  to 
such  an  interior  arrangement  as  will  give  the  greatest  amount 
of  comfort,  and  the  maximum  of  convenience,  in  performing 
in-door  labor.  But  beyond  this,  there  is  no  reason  why  the 
dwelling-houses  of  our  respectable  farmers  should  not  display 
some  evidences  of  taste,  as  well  as  those  of  professional  men,  or 
persons  in  more  affluent  circumstances.  The  farmers  are  really 
the  most  independent  men  in  our  community,  as  their  wealth 
is  less  liable  to  fluctuation  than  that  of  any  other  class ; and 
if  the  amount  they  wish  to  expend  upon  a dwelling  is  less 
than  that  within  the  means  of  some  others,  they  are  generally 
able,  on  the  other  hand,  by  having  abundance  of  stone  or 
timber  on  their  own  premises,  to  build  at  a greatly  reduced 
cost.  By  bestowing  some  degree  of  ornament  on  farm-houses, 

6 


82 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


we  shall  hope  to  increase  the  interest  and  attachment,  which 
the  farmer  and  his  family  have  for  their  home,  and  thereby  to 
improve  his  social  and  domestic  state.  A man  who  is  content 
to  live  in  a clumsy,  badly  contrived,  and  uncouth  habitation, 
will  generally  be  found  to  care  little  for  his  home,  or  to  have  in 
his  heart  but  a scanty  flow  of  genial  domestic  sympathies 
This  love  of  home,  and  with  it  all  the  tender  affections  bound 
up  in  that  endearing  word,  will  be  sure  to  grow  with  every 
step  we  take  to  add  to  its  comforts,  or  increase  its  beauty ; 
and  if  we  feel  a species  of  affection  for  the  goodly  trees  we 
have  planted,  which,  growing  along  with  us,  seem  like  old  and 
familiar  friends,  we  must  acknowledge  a still  greater  attach- 
ment to  a dwelling  that  we  have  built,  and  which  becomes  our 
own  home, — whether  it  be  a cottage  or  a mansion, — if  there  is 
an  air  of  taste  lurking  about  it,  and  breathing  out  from  vine- 
covered  porch  or  open  window  casement. 

We  are  especially  anxious  that  the  farmer  should  cultivate  a 
taste  for  improving  his  home,  including  under  this  term  his 
dwelling,  and  his  garden  or  grounds,  as  we  are  confident  that  in 
so  doing  he  will  unconsciously  open  to  himself  and  his  family 
new  sources  of  enjoyment,  beyond  such  as  are  directly  derived 
from  their  beauty  and  convenience.  It  is  unquestionably  true, 
that  we  learn  to  appreciate  the  beauty  of  nature,  in  proportion 
as  we  become  familiar  with  the  beauty  of  art.  iNTow,  although 
we  do  not  expect  farmers  to  possess  a gallery  of  pictures  or 
statuary,  yet  they  have  a scarcely  less  instructive  field  open  tc 
them  whilst  tastefully  disposing  their  gardens  and  grounds,  in 
studying  the  various  developments  of  beauty  that  occur  and 
become  familiar  to  the  mind  in  these,  and  all  other  employ- 
ments, unfolding  the  order  and  harmony  of  a well  regulated 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


83 


rural  home.  And  we  will  venture  to  assert,  that  no  person, 
however  small  his  original  knowledge,  has  followed  these 
occupations  thoughtfully  for  half  a dozen  years,  without 
having  his  appreciation  of  the  beauty  of  all  nature,  and  espe- 
cially the  beauty  of  trees,  forests,  hills,  and  rivers,  a thousand 
fold  increased. 

By  referring  to  the  plan  of  the  principal  floor,  Fig.  32,  it  will 
be  seen  that  4the  main  building,  30  by  46  feet,  is  two  stories  in 
height,  and  contains  on  this  floor  a hall,  a parlor,  two  bed- 
rooms, and  a large  pantry.  The  parlor,  or  sitting-room,  is  an 
excellent  apartment,  suitable  for  any  occasion,  and  the  pantry 
being  placed  between  it  and  the  kitchen,  either  of  these  rooms 
may  be  used  to  dine  in  ; while  the  passage,  with  two  doors 
between  the  parlor  and  the  kitchen,  prevents  the  noise  of  the 
latter  from  being  heard  in  the  former. 

The  kitchen,  wash-house,  dairy,  and  wood-house,  on  the  same 
level  with  the  main  building,  are  contained  in  an  L-form  addi- 
tion in  the  rear,  one  story  in  height.  The  kitchen  is  16  feet 
square,  and  opens  also  by  a back  door,  upon  a broad  stone 
platform,  under  which  the  steps  next  the  main  building  descend 
to  the  cellar.  The  wash-room  is  16  feet  square,  and  has  by  the 
side  of  the  fireplace  a circular  copper  boiler  set,  for  boiling  the 
clothes.  There  is  a passage  from  the  wash-room,  communi- 
cating directly  with  the  wood-house.  The  dairy  may,  if  it  is 
thought  advisable,  be  sunk  three  feet  below  the  level  of  the 
wash-house,  and  paved  with  flag  stones,  in  order  to  keep  it 
cool ; and  there  may  be  a raised  shelf  of  stone  all  around  it,  on 
which  to  place  pans  of  milk.  In  this  case  it  would  be  entered 
by  descending  four  or  five  steps.  The  wood-house  has  a large 
door,  to  facilitate  unloading  from  the  wood  wagons. 


u 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


The  plan  of  the  second  story, 

Fig.  33,  affords  three  good  bed- 
rooms, closets,  &c.,  and  a small 
bedroom ; and  above  this  story 
is  an  ample  garret  for  drying 
various  seeds  and  vegetables. 

The  cellar  is  large,  being  of  the 
same  size  as  the  main  building, 
and  on  the  side  next  the  carriage 
road  should  be  placed  a slide , 
wide  enough  to  receive  a cart- 
load of  roots,  which  will  save 
much  labor  and  time  usually 
occupied  in  carrying  them  in 
baskets. 

This  dwelling  is  supposed  to  be  constructed  of  rough  stone, 
or  stone  partially  smooth  on  the  face,  but  not  laid  in  regular 
courses.  Such  stone  is  abundant  throughout  a great  portion 
of  the  United  States,  and  makes  excellent  walls. 

¥e  have  given  the  preference  to  the  Rural  Pointed  style  in 
composing  the  exterior  of  this  dwelling,  partly  on  account  of 
the  large  lofts  or  garrets,  so  useful  to  the  farmer,  afforded  by 
the.  steep  gables  and  roofs,  and  partly  on  account  of  its  intrinsic 
beauty  and  picturesque  effect  when  built  of  stone  even  in  this 
simple  manner.  We  have  introduced  a veranda  in  the  same 
style  in  front,  because  such  a feature  is  as  necessary  to  the 
comfort  of  a farm-house  as  a villa  in  this  country. 

Where  all  the  outbuildings  are  to  be  erected  at  the  same 
time  with  the  dwelling-house,  something  of  the  same  style 
should  be  evinced  in  the  construction.  It  is  not  necessa 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


85 


to  attain  this,  that  ornamental  verge-boards,  or  wiidows,  or 
other  minor  details,  should  be  introduced  in  barns  or  the 
like  structures,  but  it  will  be  sufficient  if  attention  is  paid 
to  repeating  the  same  general  forms  in  the  outlines  of  the 
buildings,  and  of  these  the  form  of  the  roof  or  gables  is  most 
essential. 

In  some  districts,  wood  is  the  only  material  which  comes 
within  reach  of  the  farmer.  When  this  is  the  case  it  would 
be  better  to  adopt  another  style  for  the  exterior,  of  a lighter 
character.  We  would  recommend  the  simple  projecting  roof, 
and  the  general  style  of  Design  I.,  ‘omitting  some  of  the  orna? 
mental  details.  The  arrangement  of  the  rooms  would  require 
no  material  alteration,  whatever  style  of  architecture  may  be 
adopted  for  the  interior ; and  a farm-house  built  in  the  plainest 
manner,  preserving  the  arrangement  exactly,  would  still  have 
all  the  merit  of  this  part  of  the  design,  of  whatever  value  it 
may  be  considered. 

It  is  evident  that  to  some  families  another  parlor,  or  a com- 
mon eating-room,  but  little  superior  to  the  kitchen,  might  be 
thought  desirable.  This  would  be  easily  obtained  by  convert- 
ing the  rear  tedroom  into  a dining-room  and  keeping  the  parlor 
(which  is  now  intended  to  serve  the  purpose  of  dining-room 
also)  as  a show  apartment,  or  test  room.  Such  a plan  might 
suit  the  fancy  of  those  who  take  pleasure  in  keeping  the  best 
and  most  comfortable  room  in  their  house  shut,  except  when 
they  see  strangers,  but  we  cannot  recommend  it  as  consonant 
with  good  taste,  and  that  unaffected,  genuine  hospitality,  which 
ought  to  characterize  u plain  country  folks.” 

Details  of  construction.  The  construction  of  this  building 
will  be  easily  understood  by  merely  inspecting  the  elevation 


86 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


as  it  is  extremely  simple.  In  Fig.  34,  the  verge-b  ard  and 

cornice  are  shown  more  in 
detail,  to  the  scale  of  J inch 
to  a foot.  In  this,  a is  the 
front  view  of  the  top  of  the 
gable,  and  b,  the  profile  or 
section  of  the  same,  p,  is 
the  pendant  which  perfo- 
rates the  ridge  of  the  roof, 
and  terminates  the  gable  by 
[Fig.  34.]  what  is  termed  a hip  knob, 

or  finial.  The  roof,  in  this  design,  projects  about  a foot 'beyond 
the  w^alls  of  the  house.  The  veranda  is  supported  by  octagonal 
posts  or  pillars,  the  openings  between  which  are  ornamented 
at  the  top  by  single  arches  cut  from  2 inch  plank.  All  the 
exterior  wTood-wrork  of  this  building  (except  sashes  and  doors), 
should  be  painted  three  coats  of  the  same  color  as  the  stone,  or 
a few  shades  lighter,  and  painted. 

Estimate.  The  cost  of  this  building,  supposing  the  stone  to 
be  found  on  the  farm,  and  all  the  materials  to  be  drawn  by  the 
farmer,  will  not  exceed  $1700. 


T he  ornamental  portion  - of  the  farm . 

The  ferme  ornie  is  a term  generally  applied  to  a farm,  the 
wdiole  or  the  greater  part  of  which  is  rendered  in  some  degree 
ornamental  by  intersecting  it  with  drives,  and  private  lanes 
and  wralks,  bordered  by  trees  and  shrubs,  and  by  the  neater 
arrangement  and  culture  of  the  fields.  But  it  may  also  be 
applied  to  a farm  with  a tasteful  farm-house,  and  so  much  of 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


87 


the  ground  about  it  rendered  ornamental  as  would  naturally 
meet  the  eye  of  the  stranger,  in  approaching  it  the  first  time. 

It  is  evident  that  the  farm  proper,  in  the  present  case, 
may  consist  of  50  or  500  acres.  We  have  only  shown  in  the 
annexed  engraving,  Fig.  35,  a plan  of  a few  acres  immediately 
surrounding  the  house,  and  consisting  of  the  entrance  lawn  <2, 
about  one  and  a quarter  acres,  bordering  the  entrance  road  or 
approach  5/  the  orchard  c,  the  kitchen  garden  d , adjoining 
fields,  in  grass  or  under  the  plough  e,  and  the  yard  for  the 
out-buildings  f. 

At  g,  is  shown  the  house,  and  in  the  rear  of  the  kitchen, 
wash-house,  &c.,  is  the  kitchen  yard  Ji.  The  out-buildings,  or 
farmery,  are  arranged  around  three  sides  of  a square,  open  to 
the  south,  and  consist  of  the  piggery y,  the  tool-house  commu- 
nicating with  the  garden  &,  open  shed  for  carts,  ploughs,  &c.,  Z, 
cow-house  with  three  calf-pens  attached  at  the  end  m,  barn  n, 
stable  for  horses  <?,  wagon -house  jp,  and  corn  crib  q.  The 
surface  of  the  yard  descends  slightly  on  all  sides  to  the  centre 
f, \ where  the  manure  heap  is  kept.  This  collection  of  out- 
buildings is  much  more  complete  and  extensive  than  will  be 
found  connected  with  most  farms  in  this  country,  but  we  have 
given  it  with  a view  of  exhibiting  what  ought  to  be  aimed  at 
as  a desideratum  in  accommodation,  on  every  extensive  farm  ; 
and  it  will  be  found  easy  to  diminish  the  amount  of  buildings 
and  sheds  to  as  many  as  would  occupy  only  one  side  of  the 
yard,  if  the  farm  be  small,  or  to  such  a number  as  can  be 
afforded. 

This  plan  will  require  but  little  description,  as  the  orna- 
mental grounds  have  no  intricacy  of  detail.  The  effect  of  the 
view  from  the  house  across  the  entrance  lawn  wo 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


O l 

<d>' 

c&§ 

© 

Of 

c 

ol 

o 

ok 

'41  ■ 

f Fig.  35  .J 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


89 


pleasing,  and  its  expression  would  be  that  of  simply  natural 
or  pastoral  beauty.  The  trees  might  be  of  the  finest  native 
species,  selected  from  the  woods  on  the  farm,  as  nothing  is 
more  beautiful  than  our  fine  drooping  Elms,  Tulip  trees,  Oaks, 
and  Ashes.  Or  some  additional  interest  may  be  given  to  the 
place,  by  introducing  a few  Horse  Chestnuts  or  European 
Lindens,  around  the  house  and  along  the  approach.  The  trees 
we  would  plant  in  natural  groups,  as  indicated  on  the  plan,  as 
this  would  not  only  evince  a more  cultivated  taste  in  a farmer 
than  straight  lines,  but  it  would  also  add  to  the  apparent 
extent  of  the  whole  area  devoted  to  ornamental  trees,  by  giving 
it  an  irregular  and  varied  boundary  of  foliage. 

This  acre  and  a quarter  devoted  to  ornament,  may  also  be 
rendered  profitable  ; 1st,  by  mowing  the  grass  over  the  whole 
surface ; or  secondly,  by  keeping  it  short,  by  pasturing  it  with 
favorite  animals.  In  the  case  of  mowfing,  when  no  animals 
are  admitted,  a few  flowering  shrubs  and  plants  may  be  culti- 
vated directly  around  the  house.  But  if  it  is  preferred  to 
pasture  the  area,  it  would  be  necessary  to  confine  all  small 
shrubs  and  plants  to  a certain  portion  of  the  kitchen  garden 
devoted  to  this  purpose. 

There  are  some  farmers  who  would  be  willing  to  devote 
an  acre  around  their  : house  to  some  kind  of  lawn,  or  purpose 
superior  to  a common  field,  who  are  yet  not  sufficiently  alive 
to  the  beauty  and  dignity  of  fine  forest  trees,  to  be  willing  to 
plant  the  latter.  Such  may  substitute  fruit  for  forest  trees,  and 
even  arrange  them  in  the  same  manner,  planting  those  most 
symmetrical  and  pleasing  in  their  forms,  as  the  cherry  and 
pear,  near  the  house  and  the  Approach ; and  those  which  are 
unsightly  in  growth,  nearest  the  boundary. 


90 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


The  beauty  of  a farm  will  be  greatly  enhanced  by  intro 
ducing  verdant  hedges,  in  the  place  of  stone  or  wooden  fences, 
at  least  in  all  situations  near  the  house.  The  best  plant  to 
be  had  in  the  nurseries  for  this  purpose,  is  the  Buckthorn 
( Hhamnus  cathartica ),  a native  shrub,  much  hardier  and  better 
than  the  English  hawthorn  for  our  climate.  Almost  any  of 
our  native  thorns  in  the  woods  make  good  hedges,  and  the 
farmer  may  gather  the  seeds,  and  raise  them  himself.  South 
of  the  latitude  of  New  York  city,  the  best  hedge  plant  is  the 
Osage  Orange  ( Madura  aurantiaca). 

If  the  ground  is  previously  well  prepared  by  repeated 
ploughings  and  manuring,  and  proper  care  is  taken  to  head 
back  the  young  plants  the  first  year  or  two  to  make  a thick 
bottom,  and  to  trim  them  twice  a year  afterwards,  an  excel- 
lent hedge  may  be  obtained  in  five  years.  No  person,  we 
hope,  who  has  once  seen  a handsome  deep  green  hedge, 
forming  a dense  close  surface,  enlivened  with  blossoms  in  the 
spring,  and  berries  in  the  autumn,  will  grudge  the  little  annual 
care  necessary  to  substitute  this  for  at  least  a small  part  of  his 
unsightly  wall,  or  upost  and  rail.” 

Wooden  and  stone  fences  near  the  house,  may  be  rendered 
ornamental  by  planting  the  Virginia  creeper  (Ampelopsis),  or 
five-leaved  ivy,  at  short  distances  along  the  fence.  This  vine 
is  common  over  a large  portion  of  the  Union,  and  will  quickly 
form  a beautiful  mantle  of  verdure,  concealing  the  wall  in 
summer  with  its  rich  and  luxuriant  green,  and  in  autumn  with 
its  bright  scarlet  foliage. 

When  the  eye  commands  from  the  house  a view  beyond  the 
ornamental  lawn,  the  latter  may  be  pleasingly  connected  by 
planting  or  preserving,  here  and  there,  in  the  adjoining  fields, 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


91 


a few  of  the  same  forest  trees  that  are  growing  on  the  lawn, 
thus  avoiding  too  strongly  marked  a contrast  between  the  latter 
area  and  the  farm  lands,  and  showing  something  of  a unity  of 
design  or  purpose. 

The  orchard  near  the  house  is  an  apple  orchard,  and  we  give 
a selection  of  one  hundred  trees  for  the  purpose  of  planting  it 
with  the  most  valuable  sorts,  including  a number  of  sweet 
apples  for  feeding  stock. 


Ripens  in 

2.  Early  Bough, 

August. 

2.  Yellow  Harvest, 

July. 

2.  Esopus  Spitzenberg, 

Nov.  Feb. 

4.  Boston  Russet, 

May. 

6.  Fall  Pippin, 

Sept.  Dec. 

8.  Jersey  Sweet, 

Aug.  Nov. 

2.  Jonathan, 

Dec.  Feb. 

6.  Baldwin, 

Nov.  May. 

2.  Lady  Apple, 

Nov.  March. 

4.  Golden  Pippin, 

Dec.  Feb. 

6.  Ladies’  Sweeting, 

Nov.  March. 

8.  Newtown  Pippin, 

Dec.  May. 

3.  Golden  Sweeting, 

Sept.  Oct. 

8.  Rhode  Island  Greening, 

Nov.  March. 

2.  Summer  Paradise, 

Aug.  Sept. 

4.  Swaar, 

Dec.  March. 

8.  Yellow  Belle  Fleur, 

Oct.  Jan. 

4.  Pearmain, 

Nov.  March. 

4.  Michael  Henry  Pippin, 

Nov.  March. 

2.  Dominie, 

Nov.  March. 

2.  Hubardston  Nonsuch, 

Dec.  March. 

2.  Gravestein, 

Sept.  Oct. 

4.  Northern  Spy, 

Feb.  May. 

4.  Porter, 

Sept.  Oct. 

V2 


cottage  Residences. 


DESIGN  Y. 

A cottage-villa  in  the  Bracketted  mode. 

We  trust  that  the  exterior  of  this  villa  will  generally  please, 
as  although  it  is  simple  in  form,  we  have  endeavored  to  add  tc 
its  domestic,  comfortable  air,  a more  forcible  and  elegant 
expression  than  rectangular  buildings  generally  possess.  The 
strongly  marked  character  which  it  has,  is  derived  mainly  from 
the  bold  projection  of  the  roof  supported  by  ornamental 
brackets,  and  from  the  employment  of  brackets  for  supports  in 
various  other  parts  of  the  building. 

This  bracketted  mode  of  building,  so  simple  in  construction, 
and  so  striking  in  effect,  will  be  found  highly  suitable  to  North 
America,  and  especially  to  the  southern  states.  The  coolness 
and  dryness  of  the  upper  story,  afforded  by  the  almost  veranda- 
like roof,  will  render  this  a delightful  feature  in  all  parts  of  our 
country,  where  the  summers  are  hot,  and  the  sun  very  bright 
during  the  long  days  of  that  season.  Indeed,  we  think  a very 
ingenious  architect  might  produce  an  American  cottage  style , 
by  carefully  studying  the  cajDabilities  of  this  mode,  so  abounding 
in  picturesqueness,  and  so  easily  executed. 

In  actual  fitness  for  domestic  purposes,  in  this  country,  we 
think  this  bracketted  mode  has  much  to  recommend  it.  It  is 
admirably  adapted  to  the  two  kinds  of  construction  which  must, 
for  some  time,  be  the  most  prevalent  in  the  United  States,— 


DESIGN  V. 


A Cottage  Villa  in  the  Bracketed  Mode. 


Fig.  36. 


Fig.  3 7. 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


93 


wood,  and  brick  covered  by  an  external  w^ash.  Its  comparative 
lightness  of  character  renders  it  well  suited  for  wood,  and  the 
protection  afforded  by  the  projection  of  the  roof,  will  give  com 
plete  security  and  dryness  to  the  wralls,  rendering  good  stucco 
or  cement  in  such  a situation  as  durable  as  stone.  The  facility 
of  its  construction  is  an  additional  circumstance  in  its  favor,  as 
the  details  are  extremely  simple — the  ornamental  brackets, 
which  are  the  principal  features  of  decoration,  being  cut  out  of 
pine  or  oak  plank,  two  inches  thick,  and  one  or  two  patterns 
serving  for  the  whole  exterior. 

Extending  the  roof  in  the  manner  shown  in  this  design,  gives 
expression  and  character  at  once  to  the  exterior,  and  the  broad 
and  deep  shadows  thrown  by  the  projection  are  not  only 
effective  and  pleasing  to  the  artistic  eye,  but  they  increase  the 
actual  comfort  of  the  chamber  apartments ; a projection  of  from 
30  inches  to  three  feet,  serving  as  a hood  to  shelter  the  win- 
dows from  the  summer  sun  during  all  the  sultry  portions  of  the 
day  ; while  in  winter,  the  sun  being  low  in  position,  this  effect 
will  not  be  felt,  when  it  is  not  desirable. 

On  entering  the  hall  (see  plan  of  principal  floor,  Eig.  31),  we 
find  on  the  left  an  oval  dining,  or  living-room,  lighted  by  a 
large  and  handsome  window  on  the  side,  and  another  in  front; 
the  latter  finished  with  a window-seat.  There  are  two  pantries, 
or  closets,  in  this  room,  in  the  spaces  formed  by  the  ovals  in 
front,  and  the  opposite  end  of  the  room  may  be  finished  vith 
shallow  closets  for  plate,  glass,  or  valuable  china.  At  the  oj  po- 
site  end  of  this  room,  is  a door  opening  into  the  passage  5,  wl  ich 
communicates  with  the  stairs  to  the  kitchen  (under  the  ir  ain 
stairs),  and  also  with  the  open  air,  by  the  door  on  the  veranda. 
At  the  left  of  this  passage  is  the  water-closet  (W.  C.). 


94 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


On  the  opposite  side  is  the  parlor  or  drawing-room,  occupy 
ing  the  whole  space,  18  by  26  feet.  This  room  is  of  very 
handsome  size,  and  if  well  finished  would  make  a splendid 
apartment.  The  ceiling  should  be  13  or  14  feet  high,  and 
might  be  supported  by  a bracketted  cornice,  tastefully  executed 
in  plaster,  to  harmonize  with  the  character  of  the  exterior. 
Our  own  taste  would  lead  us  to  prefer  greatly,  in  all  cases, 
the  simplicity  and  dignity  of  a single  large  apartment  of  this 
kind  in  the  country,  to  two  apartments  connected  by  folding 
or  sliding  doors.  In  the  latter,  the  single  room,  considered 
by  itself,  is  comparatively  of  no  importance,  because  it  is 
evidently  only  one  half  of  the  architect’s  idea,  and  the  coup 
cVceil  of  the  wThole  is  greatly  injured,  by  the  partition  still 
remaining,  after  the  doors  are  open.  A large  room  like  this 
drawing-room,  will,  on  the  contrary,  be  a complete  whole  in 
itself,  and  regarding  its  effect  either  with  or  without  company, 
it  will  be  found  much  more  satisfactory  than  that  of  the  two 
smaller  ones  connected.  Access  to  the  veranda  from  this 
room,  is  afforded  by  the  window  at  its  further  end,  <?,  which  is 
a casement  window  opening  to  the  floor,  and  may  therefore  be 
used  as  a door. 

At  the  end  of  the  hall  a door  opens  into  the  library,  18  by  20 
feet,  which  is  a cool,  airy  apartment,  shaded  by  the  veranda 
that  surrounds  it  on  three  sides.  It  communicates  directly 
wfith  the  drawing-room  by  one  door,  and  with  the  passage  5, 
leading  to  the  veranda,  by  another. 

On  the  second  floor  are  five  bedrooms,  Fig.  38.  The  two 
bedrooms  on  the  right  being  connected  by  a door,  one  of 
them  may  be  used  as  a nursery,  and  the  other  as  a family  bed- 
room. Three  bedrooms  for  servants  may  be  finished  in  the 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


95 


attic  story,  which  will  be 
lighted  by  the  windows  in  the 
gable.  There  is  a handsome 
balcony,  which  is  entered  upon 
from  the  casement-window,  at 
the  end  of  the  hall  in  this  story, 
shaded  by  the  broad  overhang- 
ing roof,  and  two  other  balconies 
which  accompany,  in  a similar 
manner,  the  large  windows  in 
the  two  principal  bedrooms  on 
either  side  of  this  hall.  These 
two  large  windows  are  each 
composed  of  three  compart- 
ments, and  the  middle  compartment  of  that  on  the  right, 
against  which  the  partition  of  the  nursery  abuts,  is  made  solid 
on  the  inside,  which  still  gives 
one  window,  or  compartment  of 
moderate  size,  for  each  room. 

The  basement  accommoda- 
tion, Fig.  39,  consists  of  a 
kitchen,  laundry,  store-room, 
and  cellar.  The  basement  story 
is  raised  about  three  and  a half 
feet  above  ground,  with  areas 
built  around  the  windows,  to 
admit  an  abundance  of  light. 

The  outer  entrance  to  this  story  basement. 

is  by  the  steps  descending  under  [Fig.  3®-] 

the  veranda,  indicated  on  the  left  of  this  plan. 


96 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


The  chimneys  in  this  elevation  are  bold  and  striking,  and 
show  what  would  be  in  good  keeping  with  the  style  of  the 
house.  Their  construction  is  simple.  They  are  each  covered 
on  the  top  by  two  flat  coping  stones,  of  bold  projection,  the 
smoke  escaping  on  two  sides  (Fig.  42).  Chimneys  built  in 
this  manner  are  much  more  likely  to  draw  well  than  those  with 
an  open  top,  in  the  common  mode.  This  form,  however,  is  not 
by  any  means  essential,  and  square  flues  in  a body,  with  a bold 
cornice  supported  on  bricks  projecting  as  brackets,  or  separate 
detached  flues  carried  up  in  clusters,  with  heavy  tops,  would 
also  be  suitable  for  a building  in  this  style. 

Variation  of  this  design , as  constructed  in  wood.  The  fore- 
going engravings  being  in  illustration  of  this  design,  as  built 
of  solid  materials,  we  introduce  another  elevation,  Fig.  40,  to 
show  its  appearance  constructed  of  wood.  The  common 
mode  of  siding  is  sufficiently  well  understood  by  every  one, 
but  in  this  elevation  a less  general  mode  is  shown,  which  con- 
sists in  tongue  and  grooving  the  boards,  nailing  them  vertically 
on  the  frame,  and  covering  the  joint  by  a strip  one  to  two 
inches  wide.  We  suggest  this  mode  as  a variation,  as  it  makes 
a very  warm  and  dry  house,  and  the  effect  is  good.  Fig.  45 
is  a section  to  the  scale  of  half  an  inch  to  a foot,  showing  this 
kind  of  siding. 

There  are,  perhaps,  some  families  who  would  much  prefer  a 
bedroom,  to  the  library,  in  our  previous  plan  of  the  principal 
floor.  We  have,  in  the  annexed  Fig.  41,  shown  how  this  wing, 
originally  intended  for  a library,  may,  by  a little  variation  in 
the  plan,  be  made  to  afford  a pleasant  bedroom,  with  a closet 
adjoining,  and  a pretty  little  boudoir  opening  either  into  the 
bedroom  or  the  drawing-room,  as  may  be  thought  best.  If 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


97 


[Fig.  40.1 


98 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


this  variation  should  be  preferred  to  the  original  plan  of  this 
floor,  it  will  only  be  necessary  to  carry  through  the  partitions 
introduced  in  this  wing,  which  will  make  a similar  alteration  in 
the  plan  of  the  second  and  basement  stories  so  easily  under- 
stood, that  it  will  not  require  any  further  plans  in  illustration. 

Details.  A portion  of  the  porch  in 
Fig.  43,  shows  the  manner  of  orna- 
menting this  part  of  the  building  by 
brackets.  Four  varieties  of  brackets, 
suitable  for  the  roof  supports  of  build- 
ings in  this  style,  are  seen  in  the  ac- 
companying Fig.  44.  In  this  engrav- 
ing, drawn  to  the  scale  of  half  an  inch 
to  a foot,  a,  represents  the  boldest  form, 
suitable  for  the  corners  or  angles  of  the 

E ■ building ; b,  one  of  lesser  size,  proper 
for  the  projection  of  the  gables;  c.  is 
another  variation,  employed  in  the  bold 
projection  of  the  gable  in  front,  over 
the  porch,  and  d is  a form  employed 
for  eave  brackets,  when  it  is  thought 
advisable  to  continue  them  along  the 
whole  line  of  roof,  as  in  the  next 
design.  In  the  following  engraving, 
a represents  a moulding,  and  b the 
roof  and  cornice  above  the  bracket.  The  most-  complete  mode 
would  undoubtedly  be  to  employ  cut-stone  brackets  in  a build- 
ing like  this  composed  of  stone  or  solid  materials;  but  if  made 
of  good  sound  wood,  and  thoroughly  painted  and  sanded  to 
resemble  the  stone  or  stucco,  it  will  answer  nearly  as  well. 


[Fig.  43.] 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


99 


In  Fig.  45,  is  seen  a section  of  the  mode 
of  siding,  alluded  to  in  our  variation  of  this 
[Fig.  45]  design  in  wood , which  needs  no  further  ex- 
planation. 

It  will  he  observed  that  the  supports  to  the  veranda  in  the 
rear  of  this  dwelling  are  simple,  octagonal  posts,  ornamented 
with  brackets  at  the  top,  and  that  the  brackets  being  a 
characteristic  feature  in  this  style  or  mode,  it  is  introduced 
wherever  a support  is  really  or  apparently  necessary,  as  in 
the  case  of  the  balconies  to  the  windows,  etc.  And  in  a 
building  in  this  mode,  the  unity  of  design  should  be  further 
preserved,  by  carrying  out  the  boldness  of  character  in  all 
portions  of  the  building,  by  projecting  the  roofs,  verandas, 
porches,  etc.,  in  a proportionate  degree,  and  by  introducing 
few  and  bold  mouldings  and  ornaments. 

Some  character  is  given  to  the  roof  in  this  design,  by 
employing  shingles  of  an  uniform  size,  and  rounding  the 
lower  ends  before  laying  them  on  the  roof.* 

* The  principle  of  expression  of  purpose , demands  that  the  roofs  of  buildings 
should  be  shown,  and  rendered  ornamental.  In  snowy  countries,  especially,  a 


100 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


We  have  designated  a water-closet  in  this  design.  A water- 
closet  does  not  actually  require  a space  larger  than  3 by  4 or  5 
feet,  and  it  may  therefore  be  introduced  in  the  first  or  second 
story  of  almost  every  house,  although  we  have  only  shown  it  in 
two  or  three  of  these  designs.  If  properly  constructed,  and  its 
acconqianying  cistern  kept  supplied  with  water,  it  will  be  found 
entirely  free  from  odors  of  any  kind,  and  therefore  a very  great 
desideratum  in  every  house.  The  better  way  is  to  employ  a 
first  rate  plumber  from  the  city  to  fit  it  up  completely  while  the 
house  is  in  progress.  In  order  to  explain  the  principle  of  its 
construction  we  extract  the  following  description  of  one  of 
a simple  and  very  efficient  kind  from  the  Encyclopaedia  of 
Cottage , Farm , and  Villa  Architecture , p.  18. 

“ The  water-closet  may  be  variously  arranged ; but  as  one  of 
the  best  and  cheapest  modes,  and  one  the  least  likely  to  go  out 
of  order,  we  give  the  following : The  cistern,  Fig.  46,  a may 
be  at  any  distance  from  the  seat  5,  provided  it  be  on  a higher 
level,  by  four  or  five  feet.  The  basin  <?,  may  be  an  inverted 
hollow  cone,  truncated,  and  joined  to  a piece  of  cylindrical 
tube,  inserted  in  a closed  leaden  vessel,  technically  called 
a smell-trap  d.  In  the  side  of  c,  at  <?,  is  a hole  or  vertical 
opening  passing  obliquely  through  the  sides  of  the  basin,  and 
communicating  with  the  cistern  a by  the  pipe/l  The  water  in 
the  cistern  is  prevented  from  running  off  through  this  pipe  by  a 

moderately  steep  roof  is  necessary  to  sustain  the  pressure,  and  shed  the  snow 
perfectly,  and  it  should  always,  therefore,  be  boldly  exposed,  and  rendered 
ornamental  in  domestic  architecture.  Some  of  our  builders  seem  to  have  a 
farcical  horror  of  a roof,  or  a chimney  top  (derived  from  the  study  of  Greek 
temples  !),  and  conceal  both,  by  costly  and  elaborate  balustrades  and  parapets, 
in  many  cases  at  an  expense  sufficient,  if  judiciously  applied,  to  have  given  a 
superior  character  to  the  whole  building. 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


101 


nicely  fitting  valve  at  g.  When  it  is 
desired  to  allow  the  water  to  rush 
down  into  the  basin,  it  is  only  neces 
sary  to  pull  the  string  h • which,  if  the 
cistern  be  at  a distance,  may  pass 
over  several  pulleys,  according  to  the 
number  of  angles  in  its  course.  In 
order  to  insure  the  descent  of  a quan- 
tity of  water  to  the  basin  every  time 
it  has  been  used,  a cord  i,  may  be 
joined  to  A,  and  passed  over  the  pulley 
at  A,  and  the  end  of  this  cord  may  be 
fixed  to  the  upper  part  of  the  door  of 
the  water-closet,  at  such  a distance 
from  the  hinge,  say  a foot,  as  will  suffice  to  lift  up  the  valve  g ; 
or  the  same  purpose  might  be  effected  by  a lever  which  would 
be  acted  upon  every  time  the  door  was  opened.  In  every  case 
where  it  is  intended  that  a common  or  lever  valve  should  be 
operated  on  by  a door,  the  latter  ought  to  have  a spring-bolt 
to  shut  it,  lest  at  any  time  it  should  be  left  open  by  neglect.” 
There  are  several  late  improvements  in  water-closets  now  to  be 
had  of  the  best  plumbers  in  New  York.  The  waste  pipe  from 
the  water-closet  should  leave  the  house  by  a properly  fitted 
under-ground  drain,  and  should  either  terminate  in  a covered 
drain  or  sewer,  at  a considerable  distance,  or  in  a well  or 
cistern  for  liquid  manure,  the  contents  of  which  may  be  turned 
to  valuable  account. 

Estimate . This  cottage-villa  may  be  built  of  brick  and 
stucco  or  of  wood,  in  the  best  manner,  at  a cost  of  about  $5500. 
With  cut  free-stone  trimmings  it  would  cost  $6000. 


102 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


Laying  out  the  ground . 

The  situation  for  which  this  cottage  is  designed  borders  the 
public  road,  and  contains  about  two  acres,  which  are  nearly 
level.  At  the  back  of  the  garden,  Fig.  47,  is  a steep  hill  a,  the 
side  covered  with  trees,  which  is  ascended  by  a walk  J,  leading 
to  a rustic  summer-house  on  the  top  at  <?,  from  whence  a 
prospect  of  the  surrounding  country  is  obtained. 

The  house  is  at  d , and  the  objects  in  laying  out  the  ground 
■were  to  create  an  airy,  cheerful  aspect  around  the  house, 
especially  in  front ; to  preserve  a view  of  the  steep  picturesque 
hill  from  the  veranda  in  the  rear,  and  with  the  appearance  of 
a good  deal  of  ornamental  effect  to  retain  about  one  acre,  or 
nearly  half  the  level  ground,  for  a kitchen  garden  e , and  a fruit 
garden  f. 

In  order  to  give  an  air  of  some  extent  and  elegance  about 
the  house,  the  whole  surface  in  this  neighborhood,  not  devoted 
to  the  kitchen  and  fruit  gardens,  is  laid  down  in  lawn  y,  to  be 
kept  neatly  mown  ; with  the  exception  of  the  long  borders  A, 
devoted  to  a miscellaneous  collection  of  flowers ; the  circular 
beds,  filled  with  verbenas,  petunias,  and  monthly  roses,  three 
plants  which  will  bloom  the  wThole  summer,  and  have  a brilliant 
effect  from  the  drawing-room  windows ; and  the  two  beds  j 
filled  with  choice  double  Dahlias.  In  the  turf  is  planted  a num- 
ber of  the  finest  species  of  ornamental  trees  and  shrubs,  some 
being  allowed  to  growT  alone  and  assume  all  their  beauty  of 
development,  and  others  planted  in  groups,  or  thickets,  for 
effect  or  shelter.  The  novice  will  be  assisted  in  making  a 
selection  of  these  trees  and  shrubs,  by  referring  to  the  list  given 
at  page  74.  Some  of  the  less  hardy  and  robust  of  these  trees 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


103 


[Fig.  47.] 


104 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


and  shrubs,  being  planted  in  groups  in  this  way,  will  require 
that  the  surface  around  each  tree  for  a small  area  of  about  two 
feet  in  diameter  be  kept  loose  by  culture  to  promote  their 
growth,  until  they  attain  considerable  size. 

The  entrance  gate  is  shown  at  and  there  is  a large  oval 
of  turf,  around  which  to  turn  carriages  immediately  before  the 
door.  The  carriage  road  /,  after  approaching  the  entrance  to 
the  kitchen  for  the  convenience  of  delivering  heavy  articles, 
leads  to  the  carriage-house  m,  adjoining  which  are  the  barn 
and  stable  n , and  the  stable  yard  6>,  the  latter  communicating 
directly  with  the  public  road  by  the  lanej?. 

The  kitchen  and  fruit  gardens  are  enclosed  on  three  sides 
by  hedges  of  the  privet  or  prim , a rapid  growing  plant  which 
forms  a thick  hedge  in  three  years,  has  neat  foliage  and 
flowers,  and  is  easily  cultivated  from  slips  or  cuttings  planted 
in  March  or  April.  These  verdant  fences  wTill  scarcely  appeal 
barriers,  and  a spectator  standing  on  the  veranda  in  the  rear 
of  the  house,  and  looking  over  the  open,  oval  lawn  g , bor- 
dered by  the  flower  borders,  and  these  backed  by  the  deep 
green  hedges,  would  scarcely  be  impressed  with  that  idea 
of  confinement  which  this  moderate  space  would  otherwise 
convey. 

A detached  green-house  is  shown  at  ry  which,  like  the 
dwelling-house,  fronts  due  south.  This  green-house  is  14  feet 
wide  by  40  feet  long,  and  has  a lean-to,  or  shed,  at  the  rear, 
which  affords  a cover  for  the  furnace,  with  a place  for  fuel, 
and  a long  narrow  apartment  for  a gardener’s  seed  room, 
tool  room,  or  work  room,  the  latter  being  a place  absolutely 
necessary  in  every  residence  of  the  size  of  half  an  acre,  if 
appropriated  to  ornamental  purposes.  Not  only  the  front,  but 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


105 


also  both  the  ends  of  this  green-house  should  be  glazed,  as 
the  sun  will  then,  in  the  course  of  the  day,  shine  on  all  sides. 
In  the  middle  or  eastern  states,  where  the  winters  are  severe, 
it  will  be  found  a great  economy  of  both  fuel  and  labor,  to 
have  light  shutters  made  for  all  the  sashes  in  a green-house 
detached  like  this  one.  When  the  sun  is  shining,  the  shutters 
can  be  speedily  removed,  and  in  cold  dull  days,  and  at  night, 
the  glass  may  be  kept  covered,  which  will  prevent  the  house 
from  losing  its  heat  rapidly.  Ho  green-house  in  this  country, 
where  even  the  wintry  sun  is  brilliant,  will  require  a particle 
of  fire  while  the  sun  shines,  and  by  the  aid  of  shutters  we  may 
preserve  the  warmth  of  the  green-house,  collected  during  the 
afternoon,  through  a considerable  portion,  and  often  the  whole 
of  the  night. 

The  hill  side  a , in  its  original  state,  was  sprinkled  over  with 
trees,  tufts  of  grass,  ferns,  etc.,  and  was  disfigured  by  the 
presence  of  a number  of  rough  piles  of  rock.  In  order  to 
render  them  ornamental,  a quantity  of  hardy  climbers,  as  the 
Trumpet  vine  (Bignonia),  the  coral  or  trumpet  Honeysuckles, 
the  double  flowering  Bramble,  and  the  Virginia  creeper,  may 
be  planted  at  the  foot  and  among  these  rocks,  and  they 
will  in  two  or  three  seasons  render  them  highly  picturesque 
by  enwreathing  them  wTith  beautiful  garlands  of  foliage  and 
flowers. 

As  the  lawTn  will  be  a great  source  of  beauty  in  all  places 
of  this  kind,  it  is  important  that  attention  should  be  paid  to 
this  feature  early  in  the  prepaiation  of  the  grounds.  Ho 
lawn  will  retain  its  freshness  and  verdure  throughout  our  hot 
summers,  unless  particular  attention  is  paid  to  two  circum- 
stances. The  first  of  these  is  the  preparation  of  a deep  soil 


106 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


before  it  is  sown,  or  laid  down  in  grass — the  second  consists 
in  frequent  mowings.  When  there  is  a large  surface  to  be 
kept  in  lawn,  the  soil  may  be  rendered  suitable  by  manuring 
and  ploughing  thoroughly  beforehand  with  the  sub-soil  plough, 
or  by  going  through  the  same  farrow  three  times  in  ploughing 
tne  soil.  When  the  area  is  small,  it  may  be  trenched  with 
the  spade.  The  roots  of  the  grasses  strike  much  deeper  in  a 
mellow  prepared  soil,  than  persons  are  generally  aware,  and 
are  thereby  enabled  to  withstand  a severe  drought,  when,  if 
sown  in  the  ordinary  mode,  they  would  have  dried  up  and  the 
foliage  become  brown  in  a short  time.  A rich  soil  for  a lawn 
is  not  desirable,  but  rather  a deep  one,  capable  of  retaining 
moisture  for  a long  time.  Wood  ashes  will  be  found  an 
excellent  top-dressing  for  invigorating  a worn-out  lawn. 

Frequent  mowing  is  necessary  to  insure  that  velvet-like 
appearance,  so  much  admired  in  English  lawns.  To  perform 
this  operation  neatly,  the  mower  must  be  provided  with  a 
scythe,  the  blade  of  which  is  very  broad,  and  hung  nearly 
parallel  to  the  surface  of  the  lawn ; and  the  mowing  should 
always  be  performed,  if  possible,  after  a shower,  or  a heavy 
dew,  while  the  grass  is  yet  damp.  The  best  mixture  of  grass 
seeds  in  use  among  us,  and  to  be  had  at  our  seed  shops,  is  the 
same  as  composes  the  natural  growth  of  our  commons,  and 
the  turf  by  the  road  sides,  viz.  Red  top  and  white  Clover 
( Agrostis  vulgaris  and  Trifolium  repens).  They  should  be 
sown  thickly  for  a lawn,  at  the  rate  of  three  bushels  of  the 
former  and  six  quarts  of  the  latter  to  the  acre.* 

* Mr.  Loudon  recommends  the  following  mixture  of  grasses  for  a lawn  ; viz. 
Agrosiis  vulgaris  var.  tenuifolia,  Festuca  duriuscula,  F.  ov'  na,  Cynosurus  cris* 
tatus , Poa  pratensis,  Arena  flavescens,  and  Trifolium  minus . 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


107 


The  five  circular  beds  i,  are  supposed  to  be  each  10  or 
15  feet  in  diameter,  and  cut  in  the  turf.  It  is  proposed  to 
fill  these  with  plants,  each  bed  with  the  same  genus,  and 
cultivate  them  in  such  a manner  that,  when  full  grown,  they 
shall  cover  the  whole  surface  of  the  bed.  They  will  then 
present  a mass  of  rich  leaves  and  blossoms,  and  the  raw  earth 
not  being  seen,  these  beds  will  connect  themselves  much  more 
harmoniously  with  the  surrounding  turf  or  lawn,  than  if  only 
partially  covered  with  plants.  Nothing  is  more  unsightly  than 
raw  flower  beds  near  the  windows  of  the  house,  in  midsummer, 
and  we  therefore  greatly  prefer  the  beauty  of  a few  rich  circles 
or  groups  like  these,  to  the  lean  and  parched  appearance  which 
long  beds  of  miscellaneous  flowers  exhibit  when  placed  in 
direct  proximity  to  the  dwelling. 

The  trailing  Verbenas  and  Petunias  are  very  showy  plants, 
blooming  perpetually  during  the  whole  season,  and  are  there- 
fore admirably  adapted  to  this  purpose.  As  they  will  not  stand 
our  winters,  they  must  be  treated  as  annuals  ; or  preserved  by 
taking  small  plants  up  in  pots,  in  autumn,  and  keeping  them  in 
the  green-house  or  a frame,  planting  them  out  again  in  April. 
The  following  varieties  are  recommended : 

Verbenas  Robinson's  defiance  (scarlet).  Petunia  Hebe. 


St.  Margaret  (crimson). 
Hermione  (blue). 

Beauty  supreme  (pink). 
Sir  Seymour  (white). 


Eclipse. 

Rosy  morn. 

King  of  crimsons. 
New  white. 

Lady  Alice  Peel. 


A great  number  of  beautiful  monthly  roses,  including  the 
Noisettes,  the  common  China,  or  Bengal,  and  the  Tea  and  the 


108 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


Bourbon  varieties,  may  be  procured  in  the  nurseries.  These 
require  a rich  loamy  soil,  where  they  will  bloom  in  great  pro- 
fusion all  the  summer,  and  until  winter  frosts  overtake  them. 
The  Bourbon  roses  are  especially  remarkable  for  the  size,  the 
abundance,  fragrance,  and  the  beauty  of  their  blossoms.  Thp 
following  selection  includes  some  of  the  most  desirable  sorts, 
all  everblooming  or  monthly. 


BOURBON  ROSES. 

Souvenir  de  Malmaison,  large , shell 
color. 

Paul  Joseph,  rich , deep  crimson. 
Madame  Angelina,  white,  tinged  with 
fawn. 

Triomphe  de  Luxembourg,  rosy 
bronze. 

Aeidalie,  white , or  pale  blush. 

Madame  Deprez,  rose,  large  and  very 
double. 

General  Dubourg,  do.,  very  fragrant. 
Hermosa,  rose  colored. 

Gloire  de  France,  or  Neumann. 
Queen,  rosy  fawn. 

BENGAL  ROSES. 

Mrs.  Bosanquet,  pale  flesh. 

Louis  Philippe,  deep  crimson. 
Agrippina,  crimson  or  striped. 

Double  White  Daily. 

Queen  of  Lombardy,  cherry  color. 
Semperflorens,  or  Sanguinea. 

Roi  de  Cramoisies,  rich  crimson. 
Marjolin,  superb  dark  red. 

Leonidas,  bright  rose. 


NOISETTE  ROSES. 

Champney’s  cluster,  blush. 

Aimee  Vibert,  pure  vdiite. 
Fellemberg,  crimson. 

Cloth  of  Gold ,fine  yellow. 

Conque  de  Venus,  delicate  blush. 
Jaune  Desprez,  creamy  blush . 
Lamarque,  pale  yellow. 

Smith’s  yellow,  large  and  fragrant. 
Grandiflora,  large  blush. 

Sir  Walter  Scott,  purple. 

Joan  of  Arc,  white. 

Charles  X.,  bright  red. 


TEA  ROSES. 

Odorata,  or  Common  blush  Tea. 
Devoniensis.  creamy  white. 
Caroline,  fine  blush. 

Josephine  Malton,  yellowish  white, 
Princesse  Marie,  rosy  blush. 
Bougere,  glossy  fawn. 

Aurora,  pale  straw. 

Clara  Sylvian,  fine. 

Goubelt,  bright  rose. 


COTTAG-E  RESIDENCES. 


109 


Nearly  all  the  varieties  of  China  Roses  may  be  cultivated  in 
the  open  air,  with  a trifling  covering  of  straw  or  litter  over 
the  tops  in  winter,  to  prevent  their  being  injured  by  sudden 
thawing  after  severe  frosts. 

The  two  flower  borders  A,  being  each  more  than  one  hundred 
and  fifty  feet  long,  wTill  contain  a large  collection  of  flowering 
plants,  both  annuals  and  perennials.  The  latter  being  more 
permanent  and  more  showy,  are  to  be  chiefly  employed,  but 
small  spaces  should  be  left  at  intervals  along  the  borders  to 
allow  the  sowing  .of  annuals,  as  the  latter  bloom  profusely 
during  midsummer  and  autumn,  when  comparatively  few 
perennials  are  in  flower.  "We  have  already  remarked  that, 
in  order  to  attain  the  most  beautiful  effect  from  such  flower 
borders,  two  rules  must  be  observed : the  first  is,  to  arrange 
the  plants  so  that  the  taller  and  coarser  growing  shall  be 
furthest  from  the  front  of  the  border,  the  smallest  near  the 
walk;  and  the  second  that  the  collection  should  consist  of  a 
due  proportion  of  plants  blooming  in  the  different  months 
through  the  whole  season.  As  to  perform  this  will,  perhaps, 
require  more  knowledge  of  the  habits  of  herbaceous  plants  than 
many  of  our,  readers  possess,  we  give  the  following  list  for  the 
prrpose  of  assisting  them  in  stocking  beds  of  this  description, 
sc  as  to  produce  satisfactory  results. 


110 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


LIST  OF  PEEENFTIAL  BOEDEE  FLOWEES, 

Arranged  according  to  their  period  of  blooming , with  thevt 

height . 

FLOWERING  IN  APRIL. 

CLASS  L 

From  ft  to  12  inches. 

Anemone  tholictroides , pi.  Double  wood  Anemone ; white. 

Adonis  vernalis.  Spring  flower  Adonis ; yellow. 

Corydalis  cucularia.  Breeches  flower ; white. 

Anemone  pulsatilla.  Pasque  flower ; blue. 

Anemone  hepalica , pi.  Double  Hepaticas ; blue. 

Viola  odorata , pi.  Double  white  and  blue  European  Violets. 

Omphalodes  verna.  Blue  Venus  Navel  wort. 

Polemonium  replans.  Greek  Valerian ; blue. 

Phlox  stolonifera.  Creeping  Phlox ; red. 

Primula  veris.  The  Cowslip ; yellow  and  red. 

Primula  polyantha.  The  Polyanthus ; purple. 

Primula  auricula.  The  Auricula ; purple. 

Viola  tricolor.  Heart’s  Ease,  or  Pansy ; many  colors  and  sorts. 

Viola  grandijlora.  Purple  Pansy. 

Phlox  subulata.  Moss  Pink  Phlox. 

Phlox  nivea.  White  Moss  Pink. 

Gentiana  acaulis.  Dwarf  Gentian ; purple. 

CLASS  II. 

From  1 to  2 feet  high. 

Phlox  divaricata.  Early  purple  Phlox. 

Saxifraga  crassifolia.  Thick  leaved  Saxifrage  ; lilac. 

Dodecathea  n meadia.  American  Cowslip ; lilac. 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


Ill 


Pulmonaria  virginica.  Virginian  Lungwort ; purple. 
Aiyssum  saxatile  Golden  Basket ; yellow. 

Trollius  europeus.  European  Globe  flower ; yellow. 

MAY. 

CLASS  I. 

From  6 to  12  inches  high . 

Veronica  gentianoides.  Gentian  leaved  Speedwell ; blue. 
Jeffersonia  diphylla,  Two-leaved  Jeffersonia ; white. 
Lysamachia  nummularia.  Trailing  Loose-strife ; yellow. 
Convallaria  majalis.  Lily  of  the  Valley  ; white. 
Saponaria  ocymoides.  Basil-like  Soapwort ; red. 

Phlox  pilosa.  Hairy  Phlox ; red. 

Jloustonia  ccerulea.  Blue  Houstonia. 

class  n. 

From  1 to  2 feet  high 

Coronilla  varia.  Changeable  Coronilla ; pink. 

Pceonia  tenuifolia.  Fine-leaved  Paeon y;  red. 

Corydalis  formosa.  Showy  Cory  dal  is ; red. 

Veronica  spicata.  Blue-spiked  Speedwell. 

Pentstemon  ovata.  Oval-leaved  Pentstemon  ; blue. 
Pentstemon  atropurpureus.  Dark  purple  Pentstemon. 
Orobus  niger.  Dark  purple  Vetch. 

Anchusa  Italica.  Italian  Bugloss;  blue. 

Ranunculus  acris,  pi.  Double  Buttercups;  yellow. 
Tradescaniia  virginica.  Blue  and  white  Spiderwort. 
Lupinus  polyphyllus.  Purple  Lupin. 

Iris  siberica.  Siberian  Iris  ; blue. 

Lupinus  Nootkaensis.  Nootka  Sound  Lupin  ; blue. 
Hesperis  matronalis,  alba , pi.  The  Double  White  Rocket. 


112 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


Phlox  suaveolens.  The  white  Phlox,  or  Lychnidea. 

Phlox  maculata.  The  purple  spotted  Phlox. 

Lupinus  perennis  and  rivularis.  Perennial  Lupins ; blna. 
Lychnis  jlos  cuculi , pi.  Double  Ragged-Robin ; red. 
Aquilegia  canadensis.  Wild  Columbine ; scarlet. 


class  m. 

2 feet  and  higher, 

Papaver  orientalis.  Oriental  scarlet  Poppy. 

Iris  jlorentina.  Florentine  Iris  ; white. 

Pceonia  albiflora.  Single  white  Paeony. 
Hemerocallis  jlava.  The  yellow  Day-lily 


JUNE. 

CLASS  I. 

From  6 to  12  inches  high, 

Potentilla  rosea.  The  Rose-colored  Potentilla. 

Potentilla  mayeana.  Mayes’  Potentilla ; light  rose. 

Spirea  filipendula,  pi.  Double  Pride  of  the  Meadow;  white, 
Cypripedium  pubescens.  Yellow  Indian  Moccasin. 

Viscaria  vulgaris , pi.  White  and  red  Viscaria. 

Eschscholtzia  californica.  Golden  Eschscholtzia ; yellow. 
Lychins  fulgens.  Fulgent  Ly chins ; red. 

Dianthus  chinensis.  Indian  Pinks  ; variegated. 

Verbena  multifida.  Cut-leaved  Verbena  ; purple. 

Verbena  Lamberti.  Lambert’s  Verbena ; purple. 

Iris  Susiana.  Chalcedonian  Iris ; mottled. 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


113 


CLASS  H. 

From  1 to  2 feet  high. 

Spirea  Lobata.  Siberian  spirea ; red. 

Spirea  Ulmaria,  pi.  Double  Meadow  Sweet ; white. 

Delphinium  grandiflorum,  pi.  Double  dark  blue  Larkspur. 

Delphinium  chinense , pi.  Double  Chinese  Larkspur ; blue. 

Dianthus  hortensis.  Garden  Pinks ; many  double  sorts  and  colors. 

Caltha  palustris , pi.  Double  Marsh  Marigold ; yellow. 

Polemonium  cceruleum , and  album.  Common  white  and  blue  Greek  Valerian. 
Campanula  persicifolia , pi.  Double  peach-leaved  Campanula  ; white. 
Antirrhinum  majus.  Red  and  white  Snap  Dragons. 

Geranium  sanguineum.  Bloody  Geranium ; red. 

CEnothera  fruticosa.  Shrubby  Evening  Primrose  ; yellow. 

Dianthus  caryophyllus.  The  Carnation  of  many  colors. 

Campanula  grandiflora.  Large  blue  Bellflower. 

Clematis  integrifolia.  Austrian  blue  Clematis. 

Asphodelus  ramosus.  Branching  Asphodel ; white. 

Pentstemon  speciosa.  Showy  Pentstemon ; blue. 


class  m. 

2 feet  and  higher. 

Aconitum  Napellus , variegata.  Purple-and- white  Monk’s  Hood. 
Aconitum  Napellus.  Monk’s  Hood ; purple. 

Campanula  ranunculoides.  Nodding  Bellflower  ? blue. 
Verbascum  phceniceum.  Purple  Mullein. 

Clematis  erecta.  Upright  Clematis ; white. 

Linum  perenne.  Perennial  Flax  ; blue. 

Pceonia  Humei.  Double  blush  Paeony. 

Pceoniafragrans.  Double  fragrant  Pseony ; rose. 

Pceonia  Whitleji.  Double  white  Paeony. 

Gaillardia  aristata.  Bristly  Gaillardia ; yellow. 

8 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


m 


JULY. 

CLASS  I. 

From  6 to  12  inches  high. 

Pentstemon  Richardsonii.  Richardson’s  Pentstemon ; purple. 
Pentslemon  pubescens.  Downy  Pentstemon ; lilac. 

Campanula  carpathica.  Carpathian  Bellflower ; blue. 

Sedum  populifolium.  Poplar-leaved.  Sedum;  white. 

Dianlhus  deltoides.  Mountain  Pink  ; red. 

Veronica  maritima.  Maritime  Speedwell ; blue. 

CLASS  II. 

From  1 /o  2 feet  high. 

Pentstemon  campanulatum.  Bell-flowered  Pentstemon ; lilac. 
Pentstemon  speciosa.  Showy  Pentstemon  ; red. 

Pentstemon  roseum.  Rose-colored  Pentstemon. 

Monarda  didyma.  Lemon-scented  balm  ; scarlet. 

Potentilla  atrosanguinea.  Dark  red  Potentilla. 

Funkia  Sieboldti.  Lilac  Funkia. 

Coreopsis  Atkinsonia.  Atkinson’s  Coreopsis;  yellow. 

Aquilegia  glandulosa.  Glandular  Columbine;  striped. 

Phlox  Brownii.  Brown’s  Phlox  ; red. 

Dictamnus  Fraxinella.  Purple  Fraxinella. 

Dictamnus  alba.  White  Fraxinella. 

Anchusa  officinalis.  Common  Bugloss;  blue. 

CEnothera  Fraseri.  Fraser’s  Evening  Primrose ; yellow. 
CEnothera  macrocarpa.  Large  podded  Evening  Primrose  ; yellow 
Campanula  trachelium , pi.  Double  white,  and  blue  Bell  Flowers. 
Potentilla  Russelliana.  Russell’s  Cinquefoil ; red. 

Delphinium  speciosum.  Showy  Larkspur ; blue. 

Campanula  macrantha.  Large  blue  Bell-flower. 

Chelone  Lyoni.  Purple  Chelone. 

Chelone  barbata.  Bearded  Chelone ; orange. 

Dracocephalum  grandijlorum.  Dragon’s  head ; purple. 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


115 


CLASS  HI. 

2 feet  and  higher. 

Delphinium  elatum.  Bee  Larkspur ; blue. 

Pentstemon  digitalis.  Missouri  Pentstemon ; white. 

Hibiscus  palustris.  Swamp  Hibiscus ; red. 

Lychnis  Chalcedonica.  Single  and  double  scarlet  Lychnis. 

Lythrum  lalifolium.  Perennial  Pea ; purple. 

AUGUST. 

CLASS  I. 

From  6 to  12  inches  high. 

Corydalis  formosa.  Red  Fumitory. 

Phlox  carnea.  Flesh-colored  Phlox. 

Lychnis  coronata . Chinese  orange  Lychnis. 

class  n. 

From  1 to  2 feel  high. 

Geum  Quellyon.  Scarlet  Geum. 

Gaillardia  aristata.  Bearded  Gaillardia ; yellow. 

Phlox  Alcordi.  Alcord’s  Phlox;  purple. 

Catananche  ccerulea.  Blue  Catananche. 

Asclepias  tuberosa.  Orange  Swallowwort. 

Veronica  carnea . Flesh-colored  Speedwell. 

Gaillardia  bicolor.  Orange  Gaillardia. 

Hemerocallis  japonica.  Japan  day-lily  ; white. 

Dianthus  superbus.  Superb  fringed  Pink ; white. 

Lobelia  cardinalis.  Cardinal  flower ; red. 

Lythrum  Salicaria.  Willow  Herb ; purple. 

Liatris  squarrosa.  Blazing  Star;  blue. 

Coreopsis  tenuifolia.  Five-leaevd  Coreopsis ; yellow. 

Phlox  Van  Houtlei.  Van  Houtte’s  Phlox  ; purple  and  white,  striped. 


116 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


CLASS  m. 

2 feet  and  higher. 

Campanula  pyramidalis.  The  pyramidal  Bell-flower ; blue  and  whit® 
Yucca  filamentosa.  Adam’s  Thread ; white. 

Yucca  fiaccida.  Flaccid  Yucca ; white. 

Phlox  paniculata.  Panicled  Phlox  ; purple  and  white. 

Epilobium  spicatum.  Purple  spiked  Epilobium. 

Cassia  Marylandica.  Maryland  Cassia ; yellow. 

SEPTEMBER  AND  OCTOBER. 

CLASS  I. 

From  6 to  12  inches  high. 

Achillea  ptarmica,  pi.  Double  Milfoil ; white. 

Aster  linifolius.  Fine-leaved  Aster ; white. 

Gentiana  Saponaria.  Soapwort  Gentian ; blue, 

Sedum  Sieboldtii.  Japan  Sedum;  pink. 

class  n. 

From  1 to  2 feet  high* 

Coreopsis  grandijlora.  Large  yellow  Coreopsis. 

Eupatorium  celestinum.  Azure  blue  Eupatorium. 

Phlox  Wheeleriana.  Wheeler’s  Phlox ; red. 

class  m. 

2 feet  and  higher. 

Aster  maCrophyllus.  Broad-leaved  Aster;  white. 

Eupatorium  aromaticum.  Fragrant  Eupatorium  ; white. 

Liatris  elegans.  Elegant  Blazing  Star;  purple. 

Liatris  spicata  and  scarrosa.  Blue  Blazing  Stars. 

Aster  novce-anglia.  New-England  Aster ; purple. 

Echinops  ritro.  Globe  thistle  ; blue. 

Chrysanthemum  indicum.  Artemisias,  many  sorts  and  colors. 


DESIGN  YI. 


A Villa  in  the  Italian  Style,  Bracketed. 


Fig.  49. 


Fig.  50. 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


117 


DESIGN  YL 

An  irregular  villa  in  the  Italian  style , bracTcetted. 

This  design  shows  a villa  in  the  Italian  style,  of  moderate 
size.  It  is  highly  irregular,  and  while  it  will,  on  account  of 
the  great  picturesqueness  and  variety  growing  out  of  this 
circumstance,  be  much  more  pleasing  to  a portion  of  our 
readers,  a great  number  of  persons,  who  only  judge  of  a 
dwelling-house  by  a common-sense  standard,  will  probably 
prefer  a more  regular  and  uniform  building,  like  one  of  the 
previous  designs.  The  latter  class  will  find  no  good  reason 
for  any  extra  cost  incurred  in  creating  an  irregular  villa  like 
this,  as  a more  regular  one  would  afford  the  same  comfort 
and  convenience ; but  persons  who  have  cultivated  an  archi- 
tectural taste,  and  who  relish  the  higher  beauties  of  the  art 
growing  out  of  variety,  will  give  a great  preference  to  a 
design  capable  of  awakening  more  strongly  emotions  of  the 
beautiful  or  picturesque,  as  well  as  the  useful  or  convenient. 
We  might  illustrate  the  natural  progress  in  taste  in  the  fine 
arts,  which  all  persons  make,  and  their  relative  capacity  of 
enjoying  different  degrees  of  art,  by  a familiar  example  drawn 
from  music.  Most  persons,  having  an  ear  for  music,  but  who 
have  never  cultivated  a taste  for  it,  will  be  found  greatly  to 


US 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


prefer  simple  airs,  because  the  simple  rhythm  of  melody  is 
distinct,  and  easily  understood ; the  more  intricate  beauties  of 
harmony  abounding  in  fine  musical  compositions,  are  only 
intensely  felt  and  enjoyed  when  our  perceptions  are  enlarged 
and  heightened  by  education. 

The  Italian  mode  is  capable  of  displaying  a rich  domestic 
character  in  its  balconies,  verandas,  ornamental  porches,  ter- 
races, etc.  The  square  tower,  or  campanile,  is  a prominent 
feature  in  villas  in  this  style,  and  frequently  confers  on  the 
Italian  compositions  a character  of  great  boldness  and  dignity. 
The  projecting  roof,  and  the  round-arched  window,  are  also 
characteristic  features. 

The  present  design  is  intended  for  a situation  wiiere  it 
is  desired  to  preserve  the  wdiole  of  the  fine  view  from  the 
windows  of  the  drawing-room  unobstructed,  and  the  entrance 
front  is  accordingly  made  on  the  adjoining  side.  After 
reaching  the  porch,  see  Fig.  49,  we  enter  the  vestibule  which 
occupies  the  kmer  floor  of  the  tower,  and  from  thence  the  hall, 
leading  through  the  building,  and  terminating  in  a back  porch 
of  one  story  in  height.  Adjoining  the  latter  is  a closet  for 
stores. 

On  the  left  of  this  hall  is  an  elegant  drawing-room  20  by 
24  feet,  connected  with  a library  20  by  16  feet.  At  either 
extremity  of  these  rooms,  is  a handsome  projecting  window  in 
the  Italian  mode,  giving  an  air  of  dignity  to  the  apartments, 
and  in  front  are  three  casement  windows  opening  to  the  floor 
of  the  veranda,  both  for  the  purpose  of  allowing  an  uninter- 
rupted view’,  and  affording  easy  communication. 

On  the  right  of  the  hall  is  the  dining-room,  20  by  16  feet. 
A pantry  or  store-room,  8 by  10  feet,  opens  into  this  room.  In 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


119 


front  is  a pretty  little  terrace,  ornamented  with  a few  vases  of 
terra  cotta,  or  artificial  stone. 


[Fig.  50.] 


The  chamber  floor  of  this  design  shows  three  bedrooms,  20 
by  16  feet,  each  with  a pleasant  balcony  at  one  of  its  windows ; 
and  two  smaller  bedrooms.  In  the  attic  story  are  three  bed- 
rooms for  servants,  lighted  by  the  windows  shown  in  the 
gables.  From  the  attic  a small  staircase  leads  through  the 
half  story  (with  square  windows),  to  the  upper  story  of  the 
campanile  or  tower,  whence  an  extensive  prospect  of  the  country 
for  many  miles  round  is  enjoyed. 

The  kitchen  of  this  villa  is  placed  beneath  the  dining- 
room ; and  ample  cellarage,  wine,  and  store-rooms,  are  obtained 
under  the  main  body  of  the  house,  at  the  other  side  of  the 
hall. 

The  fanciful  and  convenient  window  shades,  or  canopies, 


120 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


occasionally  employed  in  this  style,  may  be  made  of  canvas, 
supported  by  a light  iron  frame,  or  of  light  wood,  painted  to 
resemble  an  awning.  Handsome  striped  Italian  canvas,  for 
this  purpose,  may  now  be  had  in  New  York. 

A building  in  this  style  will  be  greatly  heightened  in  effect 
by  being  well  supported  by  trees,  the  irregular  forms  of  which 
will  harmonize  with  the  character  of  the  architecture.  A 
Lombardy  poplar  or  two,  judiciously  introduced  in  the  midst 
of  groups  of  round-headed  trees,  will  have  a happy  effect. 
The  beautiful  wooded  situations  on  the  banks  of  our  fine  rivers 
are,  many  of  them,  admirably  suited  for  an  Italian  villa  of  this 
kind. 

Construction.  We  have  supposed  this  villa  to  be  built  of 
wood,  the  bracketted  construction  giving  it  a character  of 
lightness,  but  the  effect  would  be  even  better  if  built  of  more 
solid  materials,  and  brick  and  stucco,  well  constructed,  would 

be  very  durable  under  the  shel- 
ter of  the  broadly  projecting 
roof.  The  forms  of  brackets 
given  in  Fig.  44,  of  our  last 
design,  are  equally  suitable 
here,  d,  being  the  bracket  for 
the  eaves  in  front.  A portion 
of  the  veranda  is  shown  in 
Fig.  51.  In  this,  the  upright 
[Fig.  5i.]  columns  enclosing  the  lattice  are 

supposed  to  be  octagonal,  and  four  inches  in  diameter,  the 
lattice  itself  being  much  heavier  and  more  durable  than  it  is 
usually  made.  Its  ceiling  is  made  of  beaded  and  planed  stufi, 
forming  the  sheathing  for  the  roof,  and  the  rafters  are  in  like 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


121 


manner  beaded  and  plainly  shown.  The  chimney  tops  of  the 
main  building  should  come  out  at  the  ridge  of  the  roof,  which 
will  be  effected  by  drawing  over  the  stacks  in  the  garret. 
The  roof  should  project  at  least  three  feet  on  every  side.  The 
principal  story  should  be  13  feet  high  in  the  clear,  and  the 
chamber  story  10  feet. 

Estimate.  The  cost  of  this  villa,  handsomely  finished,  will 
be  about  $6800. 

LAYING  OUT  THE  GROUNDS. 

The  grounds  attached  to  this  villa  are  supposed  to  be  about 
one  hundred  and  fifty  acres  in  extent,  and  we  have  therefore 
been  able  to  represent  in  the  annexed  engraving,  Fig.  52, 
only  a small  part  containing  the  house,  and  the  more  orna- 
mental portion  bordering  the  river.  The  house  is  situated 
on  a plateau  elevated  about  80  feet  above  the  river,  and 
the  ground  falls  off  somewhat  rapidly  from  this  level  along 
the  river  bank,  and  in  the  direction  indicated  by  the  waved 
lines  a. 

The  approach  5,  leads  to  the  house  <?,  in  gently  curved 
lines,  and  from  thence  to  the  stable  and  other  out-buildings  d. 
There  is  a large  orchard,  a small  part  of  which  is  seen  at  e , the 
kitchen  garden  is  located  f, at  and  at  g is  a bathing  house  on 
the  river  bank. 

This  place,  like  a great  many  in  this  country  of  its  cha 
racter,  we  will  suppose  to  possess  a richly  wooded,  hanging 
bank  on  its  river  side.  This  will  afford  us  a fine  opportu- 
nity to  create  a most  agreeable  series  of  walks  i.  These 
walks  may  be  conducted  in  easy  directions,  through  the  wood, 


122 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


and  along  the  hank,  occasionally  intersecting  each  other. 
They  may  often  approach  each  other  very  near,  without 
being  visible  one  from  the  other,  in  consequence  of  the  thick- 
ness of  the  foliage  in  some  places,  or  the  irregularity  of  the 
surface  in  others.  They  will  be  full  of  variety — now  leading 
to  a point  where  a lovely  view  suddenly  bursts  upon  us,  and 


[Fig.  52.] 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


123 


again  plunging  into  a secluded  portion,  where  the  dense  foli 
age  of  evergreens  shuts  out  all  other  objects,  aid  gives  a 
quiet  and  secluded  character  to  the  scene.  Rustic  seats, 

Fig.  53,  placed  here 
and  there  in  the  most 
inviting  spots,  will  both 
heighten  the  charm 
and  enable  us  to  enjoy 
[Fig.  53.]  at  leisure  the  quiet 

beauty  around.  A very  great  advantage  which  walks  made 
in  such  a situation  have,  is,  the  trifling  care  and  expense 
necessary  to  preserve  them  in  order.  But  few  wTeeds  grow  in 
the  shade  of  large  forest  trees,  and  the  character  of  the  place 
renders  it  unnecessary  that  the  walks  should  have  a very  trim 
and  neat  appearance.  The  repose,  the  variety,  and  the  beauty 
of  a series  of  walks  of  this  kind  in  several  places  that  we 
could  name,  created  with  very  trifling  trouble,  render  them,  in 
our  opinion,  far  more  delightful  than  twice  the  same  distance 
of  walks  in  a common  level  flower  garden. 

These  walks  commence  at  the  veranda  at  A,  and  form  a con- 
nected promenade  terminating  at  the  other  end  of  the  veranda 
at  h.  Rear  the  house,  in  the  space  commanded  by  the  draw- 
ing-room and  library  windows,  are  some  borders  of  handsome 
flowering  plants  l.  At  least  the  oval  area  of  lawn  m,  and 
the  space  between  the  porch  and  where  the  ground  descends 
at  «,  should  be  kept  constantly  mown,  and  in  the  highest 
order,  so  as  to  heighten,  and  render  more  forcible  by  con- 
trast, the  wilder  and  more  picturesque  beauty  of  the  silvan 
walks  i. 


124: 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


A turfed  area  for  bleaching  and  drying  clothes  is  set  apart 
and  concealed  by  shrubbery  at  n. 

When  a situation  like  this  is  selected  for  a villa  residence, 
with  a bank  richly  clothed  by  a natural  growth  of  forest 
trees,  and  with,  perhaps,  scattered  groups  of  large  trees  here 
and  there  elsewhere,  the  art  of  the  improver  should  lie  in 
harmonizing  all  his  improvements  with  the  main  features  of 
the  place  already  existing.  Almost  every  place  of  this  kind 
has  a natural  character  of  dignity  or  picturesqueness,  derived 
from  the  rich  banks  of  wood,  the  noble  river,  and  the  finely 
undulating  surface,  which  must  be  kept  in  view  in  all 
embellishments.  The  trees  which  are  planted  in  the  larger 
breadths  of  lawn  should  be  elms,  oaks,  horse-chestnuts,  and 
maples,  or  other  species  of  large  growth,  so  that  they  may 
correspond  in  expression,  when  somewhat  grown,  with  those 
already  existing.  No  formal  avenues,  or  straight  lines,  should 
be  planted,  to  raise  a discordant  expression  when  viewed  in 
the  same  coup  d'oeil  with  the  existing  groups  and  masses  of 
foliage ; and  the  larger  breadths  of  lawn  at  a distance  from 
the  windows  of  the  house,  should  not  be  broken  up  by  any 
frippery  walks  or  parterres  which  might  detract  from  the 
breadth  and  simplicity  of  the  scene.  In  a place  where  there 
is  a character  of  dignity  and  simplicity  arising  from  extensive 
prospect,  large  and  lofty  trees,  and  considerable  breadth  of 
lawn,  we  should  be  extremely  cautious  about  introducing  too 
much  of  the  little  details  of  flower  garden  or  shrubbery  orna- 
ments in  the  fore-ground,  lest  they  should  degrade  or  weaken 
the  original  and  higher  character  of  the  scene.  We  should 
rather  place  the  latter  in  a more  secluded  spot,  where  they 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


125 


will  form  objects  of  beauty  to  be  considered  entirely  by 
themselves,  and  not  in  connexion  with  other  objects.  For 
this  reason  it  will  be  seen  that  we  have  in  this  plan  and  a 
previous  one,  cohfined  the  flowering  plants  to  three  or  four 
beds  cut  in  the  turf  near  the  drawing-room  windows  of  the 
house. 

The  orchard  and  fruit  garden.  A small  portion  of  the 
orchard  e,  appears  on  the  plan,  but  as  we  have  supposed  a 
place  of  this  size  to  have  a large  and  well  stocked  orchard 
and  fruit  garden,  we  shall  here  give  a list  of  superior  fruits, 
which,  having  been  tested,  are  known  to  be  of  first-rate 
excellence  in  the  climate  of  the  Middle  States.  A fine  orchard 
and  fruit  garden,  producing  an  abundant  supply  of  fruit  at 
all  seasons,  is  one  of  the  greatest  sources  of  enjoyment  in  a 
country  life ; and  when  we  consider  how  easily  good  fruit 
is  generally  obtained  in  this  country,  without  the  aid  of 
walls  or  anything  more  than  a moderate  degree  of  attention, 
it  would  certainly  appear  a matter  of  just  reproach,  wherever 
there  is  sufficient  room,  not  to  have  a first  rate  collection  of 
fruit. 

Horticulture,  but  more  especially  pomology — that  branch 
of  it  devoted  to  fruits — has  received  so  much  attention  both 
in  Europe  and  at  home,  that  wTithin  the  last  20  years  the 
number  of  delicious  fruits  capable  of  being  raised  in  the  open 
air  has  been  more  than  trebled.  The  Pear,  especially,  has 
been  greatly  improved  and  ameliorated,  and  has  indeed  taken 
the  first  rank  among  dessert  fruits,  in  consideration  of  the 
variety  in  flavor,  time  of  rijDening,  duration,  and  beauty  of 
the  numerous  sorts.  The  late  autumn  and  winter  varieties 
are  a very  valuable  acquisition  to  our  dessert  at  these  sea- 


126 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


eons.  Added  to  this,  many  of  the  new  sorts  come  into  fruit  at 
one  half  or  one  fourth  the  age  necessary  to  the  hearing  of  the 
older  kinds. 

Where  a variety  of  soils  occurs,  as  is  frequently  the  case 
in  a large  orchard,  it  is  well  to  know  those  peculiarly  adapted 
to  each  fruit  tree.  Apples  are  found  to  thrive  best  in  a strong 
deep  loam,  if  stony  it  is  preferable ; pears  and  cherries  in  a 
mellow  gravelly  loam  ; plums  in  a strong  clayey  loam,  and 
peaches  in  a light  sandy  loam.  Apples  may  be  planted  in  an 
orchard  at  from  30  to  45  feet  apart ; cherries  and  pears,  from 
25  to  30  feet;  peaches  and  plums,  from  20  to  25  feet.  In 
transplanting  all  fruit  trees  be  mindful  not  to  commit  the 
common  error  of  setting  them  too  deep. 


LIST  OF  THE  FINEST  VARIETIES  OF  FRUIT. 


For  the  Orchard  and  Fruit  Garden . 


quality. 

Black  Eagle. 

Bigarreau,  or  Graffion,  large  and  de- 


cooking. 

Black  Tartarian,  large  and  of  fine 


Early  White  Heart. 

Knight’s  Early  Black. 

May  duke,  fine  for  the  table  and  for 


CHERRIES. 


Holland  Bigarreau. 

Carnation,  valuable  for  preserving . 
Transparent  Guigne. 

Belle  de  Choisey,  fine. 

Elton,  handsome  and  fine. 

Belle  et  Magnifique. 

Morelia. 


PLUMS. 


licious. 

Flesh  colored  Bigarreau,  beautiful , 


Early  Scarlet  or  Cherry  Plum,  ver 


excellent . 

Down  ton. 

Downer’s  Red,  late  and  delicious. 


early. 

Morocco,  early. 

Imperial  Ottoman,  best  early. 
Green  Gage. 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


127 


Imperial,  or  Flushing  Gage. 

Coe’s  Golden  Drop,  handsome , very 
late , and  excellent. 

Coe’s  Late  Red,  very  late. 

Bleeker’s  Gage,  hardy  and  excellent. 
Jefferson,  yellow , large , and  fine. 
Bleeker’s  Scarlet,  hears  well . 

La  Royal e. 

Lawrence’s  Favorite. 

Washington,  excellent. 

Huling’s  Superb,  large. 

Magnum  Bonum,  or  Egg  Plum,  for 
preserving. 

Columbia,  large , reddish  purple. 
Smith’s  Orleans,  productive. 

Violet  Imperatrice. 

German  Prune. 

Purple  Gage. 

Autumn  Gage,  late  and  fine. 
Lucombe’s  Nonsuch. 

White  Damson. 

Purple  Favorite,  best  purple . 

PEACHES. 

Early  White  Nutmeg. 

Early  Royal  George. 

George  IV.,  very  fine. 

Morris  White  Rareripe. 

Red  Rareripe. 

Crawford’s  Late. 

Snow  Peach,  handsome. 


Red  cheek  Malecaton. 

Brevoort’s  Morris,  fine. 

Columbia. 

Malta. 

Lemon  Cling. 

Large  White  Cling. 

Early  Newington. 

Early  York. 

Heath  Cling,  late  and  fine. 

APRICOTS. 

Moorpark,  one  of  the  very  best  sorts. 
Large  Early,  excellent. 

Breda,  sure  bearer. 

PEARS. 

1.  Early  Varieties. 
Madeleine,  early. 

Bloodgood’s  Early,  excellent. 
Dearborn’s  Seedling,  delicious. 

Bartlett,  or  William’s  Bonchretien, 

large  and  delicious. 

2.  Medium  Period. 

Flemish  Beauty. 

Seckel,  first  quality. 

*Doyenne,  or  Virgalieu. 

Steven’s  Genesee. 

Golden  Beurre  of  Bilboa. 

Fordante  d’Automne. 

*Gansel’s  Bergamot. 

Frederick  of  Wurtemberg,  handsome , 


* These  sorts,  although  fine  in  the  interior,  do  not  succeed  so  well  near  the 


sea-coast. 


128 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


Van  Mons  le  Clerc. 

Louise  Bonne  of  Jersey. 

Marie  Louise,  delicious. 

Napoleon,  juicy  and  ‘pleasant. 

Urban iste,  excellent. 

Beurre  Bose. 

Dix. 

Beurre  d’Anjou,  excellent. 
Thompson’s. 

Doyenne  Boussock. 

Heathcot. 

Beurre  Diel,  large  and  good  on 
quince's  stock. 

Duchesse  d’Angouleme,  do. 

3.  Late  varieties  from  Nov.  to  May. 
Passe  Colmar. 

Glout  Moi^eaux. 

Beurre  d’Aremberg,  very  fine. 

do.  Rans. 

Lewis. 

*St.  Germain. 

Columbian. 

Wilkinson. 

Winter  Nelis. 

NECTARINES. 

Early  Violet,  good  and  productive. 
Downton. 


Elruge. 

New  White. 

APPLES. 

Many  of  the  best  winter  varieties 
are  enumerated  at  page  91 ; the  fol- 
lowing are  choice  dessert  fruits. 

Red  Astrachan,  a very  beautiful  and 
early  sort. 

Yellow  Harvest,  large  and  excellent. 
Strawberry  Apple. 

Early  Red  Margaret. 

Sine  qua  non. 

William’s  Favorite,  beautiful. 

Lady  Apple,  beautiful  dessert  fruit. 
Northern  Spy. 

Ladies’  Sweeting,  fine. 

Ross  Nonpareil. 

Esopus  Spitzenberg,  high  flavor. 

Green  Newtown  Pippin. 

Yellow  Bellflower. 

Baldwin,  very  productive. 

Porter. 

Fameuse. 

Sops  of  Wine,  early  and  handsome. 
Rhode  Island  Greening,  excellent. 

Fall  Pippin. 

Hubbardson  Nonsuch. 

American  Golden  Russet. 


In  addition  to  these,  we  would  recommend  some  of  the 
smaller  fruits  of  choice  varieties.  The  Isabella  and  Catawba 


* These  sorts,  although  fine  in  the  interior,  do  not  succeed  so  well  near  the 


sea-coast. 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


129 


grapes,  and  some  of  the  hardier  foreign  sorts,  as  the  Golden 
Chasselas,  Black  Cluster,  and  White  Muscadine;  the  large 
Red  and  the  White  Antwerp  Raspberries;  the  Large  Early 
Scarlet,  Hovey’s  Seedling,  and  Burr’s  New  Pine  Strawberries ; 
the  frizzled  and  prolific  English  Eilberts,  and  the  Large  White 
and  Red  Dutch  Currants,  may  all  be  named  as  indispensable 
in  every  fruit  garden. 

In  the  cultivation  of  fruits  but  little  difficulty  will  be 
experienced  if  a keen  watch  is  kept  on  insects , destroying  every 
appearance  of  a nest,  brood,  or  swarm,  as  soon  as  it  makes  its 
appearance.  One  man  may  often  do  more  to  subdue  and 
exterminate  a troublesome  insect  in  an  hour  or  two,  wThen  it 
first  appears,  than  a host  of  men  would  after  it  has  had  time  to 
multiply,  as  it  often  will  in  a week  by  thousands  and  tens  of 
thousands. 

In  the  case  of  the  peach  tree,  examine  the  trees  at  the  root 
every  spring  and  autumn,  and  take  out  the  peach  worm,  before 
it  girdles  the  tree,  with  your  knife ; and  destroy  every  sickly 
looking  tree,  especially  every  old  one,  on  your  premises  the 
moment  it  becomes  fairly  diseased — the  Yellows , to  which  this 
fruit  tree  is  liable,  being  a contagious  disease,  spreading  from 
tree  to  tree,  so  that  it  is  quite  needless  to  plant  healthy  young 
trees  where  old  ones  are  suffered  to  stand  in  their  neighbor- 
hood. This  fact  alone,  when  understood,  is  sufficient  to  solve 
all  the  apparent  difficulties  in  cultivating  this  fruit  of  late  years. 
The  knots , to  which  the  Plum  is  liable  in  some  districts,  are 
caused  by  an  insect,  and  the  limbs  infected  with  them  should 
be  cut  off  and  burned  early  in  the  spring.  If  the  fruit  fall  from 
the  tree  prematurely,  it  is  probably  caused  by  the  sting  of  the 
«urculio,  and  the  remedy  lies  in  destroying  all  the  curculio  for 


130 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


the  next  season  by  gathering  the  fruit  as  soon  as  it  falls  (which 
contains  the  larvae),  and  throwing  it  into  the  hog-pen ; or  in 
planting  your  stone  fruits  in  an  enclosure  by  themselves,  and 
letting  the  swine  run  in  it  during  the  season  when  the  green 
fruit  is  falling. 


DESIGN  VII. 


Ax  Irregular  Cottage  in 


the  Old  English 


Style. 


rig.  56. 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


131 


DESIGN  VII. 

An  irregular  cottage. , in  the  old  English  style . 

The  situation  for  this  cottage  may  be  in  a richly  wooded 
plain,  or  a sequestered  valley.  It  belongs  to  that  class  of 
richly  decorated,  rural  Gothic  edifices,  abounding  in  carved 
verge-boards  and  pendants,  clustered  chimney  tops,  and  irre- 
gular outlines.  There  is  something  of  freedom,  or  at  least 
quaint  richness  in  its  details — something  indicating  a certain 
license  of  architectural  imagination,  not  to  be  precisely 
measured  by  the  standard  of  the  rule  and  square,  or  the  strictly 
utilitarian  view.  Now  a cottage  of  this  class  must  not,  in  any 
case,  be  erected  on  a bare  plain,  or  even  one  comparatively 
so,  as  in  such  a place  all  its  picturesqueness  would  seem  out 
of  keeping — unmeaning — -and  absurd.  But  let  it  be  partially 
hidden,  or  half  concealed  by  clustering  foliage,  and  assimilated, 
as  it  were,  with  nature,  by  the  interlacing  and  entwining 
branches  and  boughs  around  it,  and  of  which  its  ornaments  are 
in  some  degree  a repetition,  and  we  shall  feel  it  to  be  in  perfect 
unison  with  its  situation.  Whoever  has  seen  one  of  these 
cottages,  with  its  rich  gables  breaking  out  from  among  the 
intricacy  of  tall  stems  and  shadowy  foliage,  will  readily  confess 
that  he  has  rarely  beheld  anything  more  harmonious  and 
delightful,  than  the  charming  effect  thereby  produced. 

Some  one  has  truly  remarked  that  the  architecture  of  our 


132 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


dwellings  is  most  appropriate,  when  it  embodies  and  breathes 
forth  a home  expression  / a character  to  which  we  think  the 
rural  Gothic,  with  its  quaint,  independent,  comfortable,  and 
extended  air,  seems  fully  to  lay  claim. 

In  arranging  the  plan  of  the  interior  of  this  cottage,  Fig.  56, 
we  have  had  convenience,  as  well  as  elegance,  in  onr  mind. 
The  neat  porch  which  shelters  the  front  door,  is  provided  with 
suitable  seats  ou  either  side,  which  should  be  made  to  corre- 
spond with  the  architecture.  On  opening  this  door  we  find 
ourselves  in  the  vestibule,  or  entrance  hall.  This  we  shall 
suppose  fitted  up  with  a dado  or  base,  three  and  a half  feet 
high,  of  wood  grained  in  imitation  of  oak  or  black  walnut, 
and  the  walls  painted  of  some  grave  color,  to  give  greater 
elfect  to  the  rooms.  The  vestibule  opens  on  the  left  into  a 
pleasant  little  room,  12  by  18  feet,  which  may  be  devoted  to 
a study  or  library,  and  neatly  fitted  up  with  book-cases.  In 
building,  it  will  be  found  that  recesses  may  be  left  in  the 
wTalls  for  these  book-cases,  so  that  they  will  occupy  but  little 
space  in  the  apartment.  On  the  opposite  side  of  the  hall  is 
the  living  or  dining-room,  17  by  18  feet.  This  room  is  lighted 
by  one  of  the  large,  square,  mullioned  windows,  so  common 
in  the  old  English  houses,  which  should  be  finished  on  the 
inside  with  a window-seat.  A china  closet  is  made  on  the 
right  of  the  chimney  breast  in  this  room,  and  on  the  other  side 
of  the  hall  are  a pantry  and  a store-room,  of  good  size,  very 
conveniently  disposed. 

The  dining-room  communicates  with  the  parlor  or  drawing- 
room on  its  right.  The  drawing-room  is,  of  course,  the  finest 
room  in  size,  aspect,  and  proportion,  in  the  house,  being  22  by 
19  feet,  with  a fine  semihexagon  bay,  which,  projecting  boldly, 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


133 


will  give  three  distinct  views  to  a person  standing  within  it. 
W'e  would  have  the  ceiling  of  this  and  the  dining-room  ribbed, 
and  perhaps  slightly  arched,  in  the  form  of  two  inclined 
planes,  rising  8 or  10  inches  from  the  side  walls,  to  the  highest 
part  of  the  ceiling.  The  wood-work  of  the  whole  of  this  story 
should  be  finished  simply  and  consistently,  that  is,  with  suit- 
able Gothie  mouldings,  and  the  whole  should  be  painted  and 
grained  in  imitation  of  oak,  or  of  black  walnut.  The  effect  of 
the  rooms  will  be  still  more  pleasing,  if  the  walls  are  colored 
some  harmonious  neutral  tint.*  The  furniture  should  be  in 
strict  character  with  the  style  of  the  house,  which  may  be 
easily  obtained,  without  any  additional  expense,  by  choosing 
simple  and  suitable  forms. 

At  the  end  of  the  hall  leading  to  the  drawing-room,  is  a 
bedroom,  19  by  13  feet,  with  a closet.  This  would  make  a 
convenient  bedroom  for  the  master  and  mistress  of  the  house. 
Adjoining  it  is  a dressing-room,  which,  if  neatly  and  tastefully 
fitted  up  with  everything  appertaining  to  a lady’s  toilet,  will 
give  this  bedroom  a highly  comfortable  and  refined  air. 

The  staircase  is  plaeed  at  the  other  extremity  of  this  hall, 
and  it  may  be  made  more  private  or  secluded,  if  it  is  thought 
desirable,  by  an  oaken  screen  of  open  woodwork.  Under 
-his  staircase  is  constructed  a descending  flight  leading  to  the 
sellar. 

* We  take  pleasure  in  recommending  to  those  who  wish  to  fit  up  the  interior 
»f  a cottage  or  villa  beautifully,  Mr.  George  Platt,  decorative  artist,  12  Spruce* 
street,  New  York.  The  great  variety  of  ornaments  in  the  different  styles  to  be  found 
at  his  warehouse,  and  the  correct  taste  and  skill  with  which  they  are  applied  by 
him  to  the  decoration  of  apartments,  fully  entitle  him  to  the  ample  patronage  which 
he.  now  receive*. 


134 


COTTAGE  BESIDENCES. 


On  the  sides  of  the  passage  leading  from  the  hall  to  the 
kitchen,  are  the  pantry,  the  larder,  and  the  store-room.  By 
placing  these  most  useful  and  convenient  appendages  in  this 
position,'  we  not  only  make  them  at  once  easily  accessible 
from  the  kitchen  or  the  dining-room,  hut  we  also  remove  the 
kitchen,  with  its  concomitant  noises  and  odors,  to  some  distance 
from  the  main  hall,  and  these  may  be  still  further  lessened  in 
effect,  by  having  a door  at  both  ends  of  this  passage,  to  be  shut 
when  required. 

The  kitchen  itself  is  16  feet  square;  it  is  amply  lighted  and 
ventilated,  and  communicates  directly  with  the  open  air,  by 
the  passage  at  the  further  side.  In  this  passage  is  a servants’ 
staircase,  communicating  with  the  apartments  in  the  chamber 
story. 


[Tig.  57.3 


The  chamber  story  contains  abundant  accommodation  for  a 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


135 


cottage.  There  are  three  handsome  bedrooms,  and  two  of  a 
smaller  size.  That  over  the  drawing-room  being  the  largest, 
and  the  most  beautiful  in  form,  may  be  kept  as  the  “ state 
bedroom,”  being  fitted  up  with  all  the  appliances  of  comfort 
in  its  furniture  and  fixtures.  The  little  room  over  the  porch 
will  make  a delightful  room  for  a bachelor,  or  if  one  of  the 
young  ladies  takes  a fancy  to  it,  it  will  make  a little  bijou  of 
a boudoir,  the  oriel  window  giving  a character  of  novelty  and 
beauty  to  the  whole  apartment.  On  the  second  floor  of  the 
kitchen  wing  are  a bath-room,  near  the  main  hall  (which  may 
be  supplied  with  hot  water  by  pipes  leading  to  a boiler  in  the 
kitchen  below),  and  three  servants’  bedrooms.  There  is  also 
a water-closet  at  the  end  of  the  passage  in  this  wing,  the 
discharge  pipe  from  which  is  concealed  in  the  partition,  in  a 
closed  trunk  or  chamber. 

This  class  of  dwellings  abroad,  is  frequently  covered  with 
thatch,  which  has  a pleasing,  rustic  effect.  But  our  snowy  and 
changeable  climate  will  soon  destroy  so  frail  a material,  and  it 
is  therefore  unfit  for  covering  the  roofs  of  buildings  for  habita- 
tion. Our  best  shingles,  however,  afford  an  excellent  material 
for  covering  roofs,  and  if  those  of  good  size  and  thickness  are 
chosen,  and  shaped  as  we  have  directed  in  a former  page,  they 
will  have  a picturesque  and  agreeable  effect,  and  make  a very 
durable  roof,  when  painted  with  the  cheap,  coarse  paint,  now 
so  generally  used  for  this  purpose.  The  roof  of  this  cottage 
should  be  extended  boldly,  say  two  to  three  feet,  to  give  force 
and  expression  to  the  exterior,  and  to  protect  the  wails  fully. 
The  ends  of  the  rafters  are  projected,  so  as  to  appear  as  visible 
supports  at  the  eaves.  A verge-board  is  shown  on  a larger 
scale  in  Fig.  58.  This  would  be  suitable  for  the  porch  gable, 


136 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


[Fig.  58.] 


and  the  others  may  be  made  simpler  and  still  bolder,  with  good 
effect.  The  chimney-tops  should  be  characteristically  made  of 
ornamental  moulded  bricks,  or  shafts  may  be  selected  of  pretty 
patterns,  in  cut  stone.  Although  the  partitions  in  which  the 
dining-room  and  study  flues  are  carried  up,  are  not  in  the 
centre,  it  will  be  easy  to  draw  over  these  stacks  in  the  garret, 

so  as  to  bring  them  out  at  the 
ridge  or  apex  of  the  roof, 
which  will  have  the  best  effect. 
A plan  of  the  bay  window  is 
shown  in  Fig.  59,  in  which 

cottage  bay  window.  the  inside  shutters  fold  into 
[Fig.  59.]  boxes  on  each  side. 

In  a country  where  good  bricks  are  abundant,  and  easily 
obtained,  we  should  prefer  to  build  this  cottage  of  good  smooth 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


137 


brick.  The  raw  and  disagreeable  color  of  new  brick  we 
would  destroy,  by  painting  it  three  good  coats  in  oil,  of  some 
one  of  the  neutral  shades  given  in  a previous  illustration, 
perhaps  that  one  designated  f.  By  building  it  of  brick,  in  the 
best  manner,  we  should  not  only  have  solid  enduring  walls, 
but,  to  those  familiar  with  English  cottage  architecture,  it 
would  have  an  agreeable  effect,  by  creating  an  allusion  to  the 
same  material  chiefly  employed  in  that  country. 

All  the  exterior  wood-work  in  this  cottage  (except  the 
roof)  we  would  either  make  of  real  oak,  and  oil  it,  when  it 
would  assume  a warm  rich  tone  of  color,  by  the  effects  of 
time,  or  we  would  paint  and  grain  it  in  imitation  of  oak.  If 
either  of  these  modes  should  be  considered  too  expensive,  it 
may  be  plainly  painted  the  same  color  as  the  house,  or  a few 
shades  darker. 

Should  the  execution  of  such  a design  as  this  fall  into  the 
hands  of  an  ordinary  country  carpenter,  without  suitable 
working  drawings  from  an  architect,  the  probability  is  that  he 
would  destroy  its  beauty  and  character  by  reducing  all  its 
characteristic  features  to  the  most  meagre  level,  until  all  the 
boldness  and  spirit  of  the  style  would  be  lost.  He  will  cut  the 
gable  ornaments  out  of  thin  boards,  make  the  mullions  of  the 
windows  of  slender  timber,  reduce  the  projection  of  the  roof, 
and  the  irregularity  of  the  ground  plan.  If  the  amateur  builder 
is  so  unfortunate  as  to  fall  into  the  hands  of  such  a person,  he 
will  be  very  likely  to  get  the  emaciated  shadow  of  the  rural 
Gothic  cottage,  not  its  bold,  picturesque,  and  striking  reality. 
We  mention  this  to  put  our  reader,  whose  taste  may  lead  him 
to  build  a cottage  in  this  style,  on  his  guard  ; and  we  advise 
him,  as  in  the  end  the  most  economical  and  most  satisfactory 


138 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


mode,  to  employ  a competent  builder,  and  to  procure  accurate 
working  drawings  from  an  architect  of  ability  before  he  com 
mences. 

Estimate . The  cost  of  this  cottage,  built  in  the  manner  we 
have  here  suggested,  would  be  about  $7 600. 

THE  GROUNDS  OF  THIS  RESIDENCE. 

In  designing  this  cottage,  we  have  had  in  view  a quiet, 
sequestered  situation  in  a long  valley,  or  rather  dale,  in  which 
there  are  ten  or  twelve  acres  of  nearly  level  land,  pretty  well 
clothed  with  a natural  growth  of  forest  trees,  and  backed  on 
either  side  by  wooded  hills  fifty  or  eighty  feet  above  the  level 
of  the  dale. 

There  is  an  entrance  lodge  at  the  point  where  the  approach 
diverges  from  the  main  road  J,  Fig.  60,  which  is  to  be  built  in 
the  same  style  as  the  cottage,  but  in  a more  simple  and  rustic 
manner.  From  this  point  the  approach  leads  by  a graceful 
curve  to  the  house  c,  and  from  thence  to  the  stable  and  other 
farm  buildings  c?,  having  a gravel  sweep  for  turning  carriages 
in  front  of  the  porch,  and  another  for  discharging  articles  from 
a cart  at  the  kitchen  door  e. 

In  its  original  state,  the  whole  of  the  surface  of  this  dale  from 
f to  <7,  is  thickly  covered  with  wood.  This  we  propose  to  thin 
out  and  render  an  ornamental  and  interesting  part  of  the  place, 
by  leading  through  it  the  series  of  plants  marked  i in  the  plan. 
These  walks  would  be  cool  and  shady  in  summer,  and  would 
have  a delightful  sylvan  character  at  all  seasons.  In  thinning 
out  a natural  wood  on  a place  like  this  a good  deal  of  care  and 
judgment  is  necessary  to  obtain  a pleasing  effect,  and  preserve 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


139 


[Fig.  60.] 


140 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


the  best  trees  in  good  condition.*  Were  we  to  go  into  the 
wood  and  thin  out  the  trees  here  and  there,  so  as  to  leave  the 
finest  specimens  standing  singly,  the  probability  is  that  these 
trees,  thus  suddenly  losing  the  support  of  their  fellows  that  had 
grown  up  in  close  contact  with  them  on  every  side,  would  be 
blown  down  and  destroyed  by  the  first  severe  autumnal  gale 
accompanied  with  rain.  Good  judgment,  as  well  as  good  taste, 
will  rather  dictate  that  we  should  thin  them  out  in  masses  here 
and  there,  leaving  pretty  open  glades  A,  at  intervals,  which  being 
soon  covered  with  a fine  green  turf,  and  catching  the  gleams  of 
sunlight,  will  be  a charming  contrast  to  the  groups  and  thickets 
around.  The  trees  thus  left  in  groups  and  masses,  will  afford 
each  other  protection  and  support  against  the  wind,  and  will 
gradually  strengthen  and  expand  in  their  roots  and  heads,  until 
they  become  luxuriant  and  spreading.  ¥e  should  bear  in 
mind  also,  not  to  trim  off  the  lower  branches  of  such  trees, 
unless  they  are  dead  or  unsightly ; as  they  will  probably  never 
be  replaced,  and  the  highest  beauty  of  a tree  as  an  ornamental 
object,  consists  in  its  being  park-like,  that  is,  luxuriantly 
feathered  with  foliage  quite  down  to  the  ground. 

These  walks,  after  traversing  the  little  wood,  lead  to  the 
summit  of  the  hill,  where  a rustic  arbor  k , serves  as  a resting 
place,  and  affords  a pleasant  view.  On  the  supposition  that  the 
surface  on  the  right  of  the  walk  i (where  it  first  leaves  the 
house),  is  open,  or  clothed  with  a few  scattered  trees,  we  will 
introduce  a rich  belt  m,  of  flowering  shrubs  on  the  side  of  this 


* Always  lay  bare  the  roots,  and  dig  or  cut  out  the  tree  below  the  surface  of 
the  soil.  This  will  leave  the  ground  clear,  and  not  covered  by  straggling  stumps, 
which  it  is  afterwards  more  difficult  to  extricate  than  to  cut  the  whole  tree  out 
properly. 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


141 


walk.  This  belt  will  be  a pleasant  contrast  in  its  lively  show 
of  blossoms,  to  the  graver  character  of  the  forest  trees,  and  it 
will  serve  the  important  purpose  of  concealing  this  walk  from  a 
person  coming  up  the  approach  and  vice  versa  • a circum- 
stance which  should  never  be  lost  sight  of  in  places  of  moderate 
size,  where  it  is  always  desirable  to  increase  their  apparent 
dimensions. 

On  the  line  of  this  approach,  as  there  were  not  trees  in  suffi- 
cient abundance  to  give  it  a wooded  appearance,  we  should  plant 
some  fine  maples,  elms,  and  sycamores,  and  near  the  house  some 
European  larches,  Scotch  elms,  and  other  exotic  trees.  As  the 
trees  already  clothing  the  place  are  large,  and  as  all  newly  plant- 
ed trees  will  therefore  be  likely  to  look  somewhat  insignificant 
for  a few  years,  we  should  be  careful  to  prepare  the  soil 
thoroughly  as  previously  described,  before  planting  them. 
This  will  not  only  cause  them  to  grow  much  more  vigorously, 
but  it  will  give  them  almost  at  once  a luxuriant  appearance, 
which  goes  very  far  to  lessen  the  apparent  disparity  between  a 
large  tree  and  a*  small  one  ; as  we  never  despair  of  that  which 
we  see  making  rapid  advances. 

A regular,  symmetrical  flower  garden  is  only  in  good  keeping 
with  a Grecian,  Italian,  or  other  highly  architectural  building. 
Eor  a cottage  of  a highly  rural  air,  like  the  present,  something 
is  required  of  a less  formal  character,  and  which  shall  leave 
a little  more  room  for  the  exercise  of  the  fancy.  Such  an 
irregular  flower  garden  w,  we  have  designated  (on  a very 
small  scale)  on  the  right  of  the  house,  which  is  looked  into 
from  the  drawing-room  windows.  It  will  be  seen  that  the  beds 
are  irregular,  and  that  the  whole  garden  is  surrounded  by  an 
irregular  plantation  of  small  ornamental  trees  and  flowering 


142 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


shrubs.*  The  beds  may  be  surrounded  by  turf  kept  neatly 
mown,  or  by  gravel ; or  a gravel  walk  may  be  led  through  the 
centre  of  the  space  between  the  beds,  and  a border  of  turf  left 
on  either  side  wide  enough  for  walking  upon.  The  latter  will 
perhaps  be  the  preferable  mode,  as  in  damp  weather  the  hard, 
firm  gravel  will  be  preferred,  and  in  warm  sunny  days  the  soft 
turf  will  be  more  agreeable  to  the  tread. 

The  kitchen  garden  0,  is  placed  in  the  rear  of  the  house,  in  a 
sheltered  position  between  the  rising  ground  on  either  side. 
From  the  barn  and  stables  a la nej$>,  leads  to  the  farm  land  in 
grass  and  tillage  beyond,  which  has  a separate  back  entrance 
leading  into  the  public  road. 

When  a place  like  this  occurs,  as  it  occasionally  does,  in  the 
midst  of  a more  cultivated  and  less  wooded  neighborhood,  it  will 
be  a delightful  surprise,  with  its  highly  picturesque  air,  to  a 
stranger  entering  it  for  the  first  time.  It  will  be  a much  easier 
place  to  render  effective  than  a level  plain  with  few  trees,  if 
we  carefully  study  the  natural  expression  of  the  scene,  and  only 
attempt  to  heighten,  not  to  alter  it  by  our  improvements.  In 
the  wooded  walk,  which  is  the  principal  feature  of  interest  in 
this  place,  there  will  doubtless  be  many  beautiful  wild  plants 
growing  naturally.  These  we  should  by  all  means  foster,  and 
we  may  increase  their  charm  by  collecting  from  other  and 
richer  localities  all  the  ornamental  indigenous  plants,  which 
may  be  made  to  thrive  in  such  a situation. 

* A larger  plan  of  a flower  garden  of  this  description  may  be  found  in  oui 
Treatise  on  Landscape  Gardening . 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


143 


A cottage  in  the  same  style , suitable  for  a gate  lodge  for  this 
residence , or  for  a small  family . 

In  the  opposite  illustration,  Fig.  61,  we  have  indicated  a 
very  simple  cottage  in  the  same  style  as  Design  VIL,  which 
would  be  well  adapted  for  a lodge  at  the  entrance  gate  b.  In 
this  situation  it  would  probably  be  occupied  by  the  gardener, 
the  farmer,  or  some  family  in  the  employment  of  the  proprietor 
of  this  residence.  When  a stranger  entered  the  place,  this 
cottage  would  of  course  first  arrest  his  attention,  and  with  its 
old  English,  and  pretty  rural  expression,  would  serve  as  a 
prelude  or  agreeable  - preparation  for  the  more  varied  and 
extensive  cottage  of  the  owner  of  the  demesne. 

It  would  otherwise  make  a neat  and  picturesque  dwelling,  if 
properly  located,  for  a small,  respectable  family,  who  wish  to 
lead  a quiet  and  simple  life.  Although  its  accommodation  is 
limited,  yet  it  may  be  made  to  assume  an  air  of  taste  and  neat- 
ness, always  agreeable  to  the  mind,  and  often  more  striking 
in  its  effect,  when  met  with  in  perfection  in  a charming  little 
cottage,  than  in  a stately  mansion. 

An  examination  of  the  plans  of  the  interior,  Figs.  62  and  63, 
will  show  the  arrangement  of  the  rooms.  There  is  a parlor  or 
living-room,  lighted  by  two  windows,  one  of  them  a bay  win- 
dow, and  adjoining  it  a pantry,  a bedroom,  and  kitchen  on  the 
first  floor.  On  the  second  floor  are  two  bedrooms,  a large  closet 
or  wardrobe,  and  a smaller  closet  for  linen.  The  kitchen  is  a 
wing  added  in  the  rear,  with  a gable  and  roof  joining  the  main 
roof  in  a similar  manner  to  that  over  the  porch  in  the  view  of 
the  front.  The  construction  of  this  cottage  is  so  similar  to  that 


144 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


of  Design  YII.  just  described  that  we  need  not  repeat  tbe 
details. 

Much  of  the  pleasing  effect  of  the  most  ornamental  English 
cottages  of  this  kind,  arises  from  the  employment  of  vines  and 
other  climbing  plants  of  different  sorts,  which,  growing  over 
and  partly  concealing  portions  of  the  exterior,  render  them,  rich 
with  blossoms,  verdure  and  fragrance,  perfect  wonders  of  rural 
beauty.  For  this  purpose  our  Virginia  Creeper,  the  Trumpet 
monthly  Honeysuckles,  the  Boursault,  the  Double  Prairie,  and 
the  English  White  Climbing  Poses,  are  most  suitable  in  this 
climate. 

Estimate . This  cottage  may  be  built  of  wood  for  $830. 


DESIGN  VIII. 


A Villa  in  the  Italian  Style. 


Fig.  64. 


Fig. 


63. 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


145 


DESIGN  VIII. 

A Villa  in  the  Italiom  Style . 

This  is  a design  in  the  modern  Italian  style,  some  of  the 
merits  of  which  we  have  previously  pointed  out.  It  will  he 
at  once  perceived  that,  while  this  mode  retains  much  of  the 
expression  of  the  Grecian  style,  it  has  far  more  variety,  and 
a much  more  domestic  character  than  the  latter.  The  charac- 
teristic quality  of  the  purest  specimens  of  Grecian  architecture, 
is  elegant  simplicity , and  it  is  a quality  which  is  most  appro- 
priately displayed  in  a temple.  On  the  other  hand  we  should 
say  that  the  characteristic  quality  of  the  modern  Italian  build- 
ings is  elegant  variety,  which  is  most  fitly  exhibited  in  a tasteful 
villa.  The  great  simplicity  of  form  of  the  first  is  highly 
suited  to  a temple,  where  the  singleness  of  purpose  to  which 
it  is  devoted  appears  symbolized  in  the  simple  Oneness  of  the 
whole  edifice ; the  irregularity  of  the  second  is  equally  in 
unison  with  the  variety  of  wants,  occupations,  and  pleasures, 
which  compose  the  routine  of  domestic  life. 

In  our  last  design  we  have  shown  a cottage  highly  suited  to 
a romantic  vale,  or  sylvan  nook,  by  the  rustic  picturesqueness 
of  its  ensemble  / the  present  one  is  equally  appropriate  for  an 
open  smiling  plain,  diversified  by  hill  and  dale,  and  sprinkled 
with  groups  and  masses  of  trees.  The  more  finished  and  archb 
toctural  character  of  the  building  requires  less  the  support  of 
10 


146 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


thickets  of  trees  and  intricacy  of  scenery  to  produce  a harmo- 
nious union.  The  elegance  of  an  Italian  villa  is  produced 
mainly  by  the  assemblage  of  simple  and  effective  lines  in  its 
exterior,  but  it  is  also  greatly  enhanced  by  the  introduction  of 
such  beautiful  and  refined  features  as  the  terrace  with  its 
ornamental  balustrade  and  vases,  and  the  balcony  with  its 
shade  or  canopy. 

The  terrace  is  a paved  walk  or  smooth  area,  higher  than  the 
adjoining  grounds,  and  twenty  or  more  feet  in  width,  sur- 
rounded by  a handsome  balustrade  of  stone,  or  of  wood  formed 
to  imitate  heavy  Italian  balusters.  At  suitable  distances  along 
the  top  of  this  balustrade,  may  be  placed  vases  of  terra  cotta, 
artificial  stone,  or  more  costly  materials,  and  of  classic  forms,  in 
proper  keeping  with  the  style  of  the  building.  As  an  object 
of  taste  the  terrace  is  universally  admired,  because  it  serves,  to 
connect,  by  a gradual  transition,  so  highly  artificial  an  object 
as  an  architectural  dwelling,  with  the  more  simple  forms  of 
natural  objects  around.  There  is  felt  to  be  something  incon- 
gruous in  a highly  finished  house  set  down,  as  we  sometimes 
see  it,  without  the  least  reason  or  preparation,  in  the  middle 
of  a green  lawn  ; but  let  the  base  of  the  house  extend  itself  by 
a handsome  terrace,  and  let  the  characteristic  forms  of  the 
building  be  occasionally  repeated  near  by,  in  the  shape  of  a 
few  pedestals  with  vases,  or  other  sculptured  objects,  and  there 
is  at  once  produced  a harmonious  union  between  the  architec- 
ture and  the  landscape,  or,  in  other  words,  between  the  house 
and  the  grounds. 

As  an  object  of  utility,  the  terrace  is  a most  comfortable  and 
agreeable  feature,  affording  a firm,  dry,  and  secure  walk,  sunny 
and  warm  in  the  mid-day  of  winter,  and  cool  and  airy  in  the 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


147 


mornings  and  evenings  of  summer.  From  it,  ii  many  situa- 
tions, access  is  had  to  the  flower  garden,  the  luxuriant  creeping 
and  climbing  plants  of  which,  enwreathing  gracefully  here  and 
there  the  balustrade,  or  hanging  in  clusters  of  rich  blossoms 
about  the  sculptured  vase,  increase  the  harmony  growing  out 
of  this  artistically  contrived  union  of  nature  and  art. 

In  this  cottage  villa  of  very  moderate  size,  we  have  endea- 
vored to  combine  several  of  the  peculiar  beauties  of  the  Italian 
style.  Its  fagade,  see  Fig.  64,  comprises  a square  tower  or 
campanile,  an  arcade  or  Italian  veranda,  the  triple,  round- 
arched  windows,  and  the  ridged  or  furrowed  roof;  and  on  the 
left  is  seen  a portion  of  the  terrace,  which  extends  along  the 
wdiole  south  side  of  the  building.  In  the  stack  of  chimneys  to 
the  left,  is  shown  the  usual  Italian  form  ; in  the  central  one,  of 
loftier  dimensions  (which  we  have  there  introduced  to  improve 
the  composition  by  giving  it  a more  pyramidal  outline),  we 
have  copied  one  not  uncommon  in  Florence. 

In  its  accommodation  this  house  is  moderate,  and  yet  we 
trust  it  will  be  found  convenient  and  agreeable.  The  front 
door  is  approached  from  the  arcade,  or  veranda  of  the  entrance 
front,  Fig.  65.  Opening  this  we  arrive  in  the  entrance-hall, 
which  may  be  very  completely  connected  writh  the  veranda 
when  the  door  and  window  are  open  in  summer.  The  stair- 
case is  convenient^,  and  yet  privately  situated,  as  it  is  placed 
in  a separate  division  of  the  hall,  which  may  be  excluded  any 
time  by  a door  between  them.  At  the  side  of  the  hall  opposite 
the  front  door,  is  the  dining-room,  17  by  20  feet,  with  a pantry 
opening  into  it  on  the  left.  Proceeding  to  the  door  at  the  left 
end  of  the  hall,  we  enter  the  drawing-room,  20  by  22  feet, 
opening  by  its  two  casement  windows  to  the  terrace,  and 


148 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


enjoying  a fine  view  of  the  lawn  through  the  large  projecting 
window  on  the  front.  Directly  in  the  rear  of  this  room  is  the 
library,  more  quiet  and  secluded  in  its  position,  and  of  less  size, 
but  therefore  more  in  character  with  the  purposes  for  which  it 
is  destined. 

We  must  not  forget  the  bcmdow,  situated  at  the  other 
extremity  of  the  hall,  which  occupies  the  lower  part  of  the 
tower.  This  may  be  very  tastefully  and  prettily  fitted  up,  and 
used  by  the  lady  of  the  house  as  a morning  room  for  receiving 
social  calls ; or,  if  preferred,  it  wrould  serve  admirably  as  a 
dressing-room,  and  with  a cabinet  bedstead,  as  a bedroom  at 
night  when  necessary.  There  is  a private,  or  back  door  to  the 
hall,  at  the  end  of  the  passage  leading  into  this  boudoir. 


SECOND  FLOOR 

[Fig.  66.] 


By  a glance  at  the  plan  of  the  second  floor,  Fig.  66,  the 
number  and  sizes  of  the  sleeping  apartments  will  be  readily 
understood.  Thfcre  are  five  bedrooms  of  different  dimensions, 
including  that  in  the  tower,  from  which  a light  and  fanciful 
open  stairs  may  lead  to  the  apartment  in  the  campanile,  serving 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


149 


as  a belvidere  or  observatory.  There  is  a large  linen  closet  in 
the  front  hall,  and  wardrobe-closets  may  be  made  in  each  of 
the  bedrooms. 

The  basement  of  this  house  may  contain  a kitchen  directly 
beneath  the  dining-room,  a cellar  under  the  drawing-room,  a 
store-room  and  laundry  under  the  library,  and  a man-servant’s 
bedroom  in  the  basement  of  the  tower. 

Although  from  the  strong  contrasts  of  light  and  shade  in  an 
Italian  elevation  like  this,  there  is  much  boldness  and  painter- 
like effect,  yet,  as  these  arise  chiefly  from  the  employment  of  a 
few  strong  lines  and  well  marked  features,  the  Italian,  it  will  be 
perceived,  is  a comparatively  easy  and  an  economical  style. 
In  this  country,  especially,  it  will  for  some  time  be  found  that  a 
building  in  this  style  may  be  erected  with  less  trouble  than  one 
like  the  preceding  design,  because  the  ordinary  mechanics  are 
all  familiar  with  the  details  of  Grecian  architecture,  which  are 
chiefly  employed,  with  slight  variations,  in  its  execution. 

An  important  advantage  which  the  Italian  architecture 
possesses  over  the  Greek,  is  the  very  great  capacity  which  its 
irregular  form  offers  for  additions  that  may  be  wanted  at  any 
future  period.  One  of  our  Greek-temple  dwelling-houses,  on 
the  other  hand,  is  originally  so  complete  in  its  form,  that  its  fair 
proportions  would  be  greatly  marred  by  adding  any  apartments 
that  the  comfort  or  convenience  of  the  family  might  suggest, 
when  increased  in  wealth  or  number.  In  carrying  the  present 
design  into  practice,  should  it  be  preferred  to  enlarge  or  extend 
it  by  adding  a kitchen  and  offices  on  the  first  floor,  a wing  for 
this  purpose  might  be  extended  to  the  right  of  the  dining-room, 
a little  in  the  rear  of  the  tower,  which,  if  judiciously  composed, 
would  heighten  the  effect  of  the  whole  pile  of  building,  by 


150 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


giving  it  greater  extent  and  irregularity,  two  important 
elements  of  beauty  in  Italian  villa  architecture. 

Construction.  We  would  either  build  this  house  of  the 
smoothest  and  best  brick,  and  paint  it  in  some  soft,  pleasing 
shade,  or  of  the  roughest  brick,  and 
coat  it  with  the  best  cement,  colored 
to  resemble  a light  mellow  stone. 

The  solidity  of  the  architecture  would 
scarcely  permit  the  employment  of 
wood,  as  a material  for  the  whole  of  tFJs- 67  J 

this  edifice,  although  the  lighter  character  of  the  bracketted 
Italian  (Design  V.)  is  well  suited  to  wood.  Should  economy 
oblige  us  to  construct  the  balcony  and  terrace  balustrades  of 
wood,  they  should  be  made  in  a bold  manner,  and  thoroughly 
painted  and  sanded,  to  imitate  the  material  of  the  house.  In 
Fig.  67  is  shown  the  Italian  balcony,  in  Fig.  68,  the  arcade  on 


[Fig.  68.] 


the  entrance  front,  both  to  a larger  scale.  The  central  Flo- 
rentine chimney,  which  is  of  a very  handsome  description,  is 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


151 


shown  in  Fig.  69.  The  body  of  this  chimney- 
top  may  be  built  of  common  bricks,  and  the 
ornamental  apex  or  summit  of  cut  stone. 

The  roof  is  one  of  the  most  striking  features 
in  this  style,  which  arises  (on  the  continent) 
from  its  being  made  ornamental  by  employing 
large  furrowed  tiles.  When  these  are  not  at 
[Fig.  69.  hand,  the  effect  may  be  easily  imitated,  by  a 
covering  of  tin  or  zinc  put  on  in  the  ridge  manner,  the  ribs 
being  made  bold  and  heavy.  This  is  not  only  a handsome,  but 
an  equally  economical  and  a much  more  secure  mode,  than  the 
common  one,  of  soldering  the  whole  surface,  generally  prac- 
tised. The  roof  of  a house  in  this  style,  is  made  sufficiently 
steep,  to  render  the  latter  unnecessary.  In  painting  it,  either  a 
dark  brown  or  slate  color  should  be  chosen. 

Estimate.  This  design  would  cost  $8800,  if  the  balustrades, 
etc.,  were  cut  of  free-stone.  If  made  of  wood  $7 600. 


ARRANGEMENT  OF  THE  GROUNDS. 

A house  like  this  would  naturally  demand  a situation  where 
some  considerable  extent  of  ground  could  be  obtained.  It 
would  be  highly  suitable  for  a handsome  villa  residence  in  the 
country,  of  a moderate  size,  comprising  from  80  to  150  acres  of 
land.  A large  portion  of  this  would  be  kept  under  culture, 
and  would  serve  to  give  employment  to  the  proprietor  in  his 
character  of  an  amateur  farmer.  Hear  the  house  ten  or  twenty 
acres  may  be  devoted  to  lawn,  all  of  wdiich  may  be  kept 
mown ; that  nearest  the  house  being  of  course  more  neatly  and 
more  frequently  clipped  by  the  scythe,  to  accord  with  the  air 


152 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


of  elegance  and  polish  always  to  be  observed  in  the  precincts 
of  a handsome  dwelling. 

In  the  plan  here  given,  Fig.  70,  we  have  attempted  to  con- 
vey an  idea  of  the  arrangement  of  that  portion  of  the  grounds 
directly  about  the  house,  as  our  previous  examples  have 
probably  given  sufficient  hints  to  the  management  of  the  more 
distant  and  extended  portions,  including  the  approach.  The 
trees  introduced  in  this  design  should  be  chiefly  those  of  large 
finely  rounded  heads,  and  graceful  sweeping  branches,  and  they 
should  be  grouped  in  such  a manner  as  to  allow  them  to  deve- 
lope  themselves  in  their  utmost  beauty  of  form  on  every  side. 

The  dwelling  «,  we  have  placed  on  a little  table  of  land 
descending  gently  on  every  side,  and  about  one  hundred  and 
twenty  feet  distant  from  the  shore  of  a pretty  little  natural  lake 
on  the  left.  The  approach  leading  from  the  public  road  through 
the  demesne  to  the  house  is  shown,  in  part,  at  b j a gravelled 
sweep  for  carriages  <?,  is  formed  in  front  of  the  arcade,  and  the 
road  d , leading  to  the  stable  and  farm  buildings,  branches  off 
at  the  right  of  the  house. 

The  most  important  feature  in  this  plan  which  wTe  shall 
endeavor  to  describe  here,  is  the  architectural  flower  garden  e , 
which  will  be  seen  occupying  a considerable  space  on  the  left 
of  the  house.  The  terrace  f,  the  beauty  and  utility  of  which 
we  have  already  insisted  upon,  lies  in  this  direction,  serving  as 
a kind  of  beautiful  extended  base  to  the  house.  We  shall 
suppose  this  idea  still  further  carried  out  in  the  architectural 
flower  garden,  which  surrounds  this  terrace,  and  which,  lying 
directly  below  it,  affords  a fine  display  from  the  windows  of 
the  drawing-room  and  library. 

We  are  not  admirers  of  geometric  or  formal  flower  gardens 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


153 


[Fig.  70.] 


154 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


like  this,  considered  by  themselves,  and  merely  as  dower  gar- 
dens, because  we  think  a natural  arrangement  is  more  replete 
with  beauty  and  grace,  and  is  capable  of  affording  a much 
higher  kind  of  pleasure.  But  this  kind  of  architectural  flower 
garden,  so  common  in  Italy,  and  so  appropriate  an  accompani 
ment  to  residences  of  this  kind,  requires  to  be  regarded  in 
another  light.  It  is  not  only  a garden  for  the  display  of  plants, 
but  it  is  a garden  of  architectural  and  floral  beauty  combined ; 
it  is  as  much  an  accessory  of  the  building  as  a portion  of  the 
grounds,  and  therefore  it  wery  properly  exhibits  much  of  the 
regularity  and  symmetry  of  architectural  forms  and  composi- 
tions. It  contains  plants,  trees,  and  shrubs,  it  is  true,  in  great 
profusion,  but  the  beauty  of  these  is  heightened,  and  rendered 
more  brilliant,  by  the  introduction  of  elegant  vases,  sculptured 
urns,  or  perhaps  a few  statues  of  floral  deities,  or  busts  of 
distinguished  persons.  Those  who  have  never  seen  the  lively 
effect  that  may  be  produced  by  a garden  of  this  kind,  joined 
to  an  elegant  villa,  the  architectural  forms  of  which  seem 
repeated  in  the  garden  and  thus  beautifully  harmonized  with 
nature,  can  scarcely  conceive  how  charming  it  appears.  A 
summer  moonlight  walk  on  this  terrace,  while  we  hear  the 
silence  broken  only  by  the  gentle  murmur  of  the  fountain  at 
and  see,  softly  gleaming  in  the  silvery  beams,  the  sculptured 
vases,  clustered  over  partially  by  luxuriant  climbers,  and 
backed  by  dark  masses  of  rich  waving  shrubs  and  flowers 
would  be  sufficient  to  remind  one,  of  even  the  most  indifferent 
poetical  temperament,  of  the  garden  of  Boccaccio, 

Where,  half  conceal’d,  the  eye  of  fancy  views 

Fauns,  nymphs,  and  winged  saints,  all  gracious  to  his  muse. 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


155 


Still  in  the  garden  let  me  watch  their  pranks. 

And  see  in  Dian’s  vest  between  the  ranks 
Of  the  trim  vines,  some  maid  that  half  believes 
The  vestal  fires,  of  which  her  lover  grieves. 

With  that  sly  satyr  peeping  through  the  leaves ! 

Coleridge. 


In  the  example  of  this  kind  of  garden  attached  to  this  house 
we  should  not  expect  to  find  so  costly  a decoration  as  marble 
vases  introduced,  but  all  the  beauty  of  form,  and  nearly  all  that 
of  material,  may  be  obtained  at  a very  moderate  cost,  suited  to 
our  more  economical  habits  in  this  country,  in  vases  and  orna- 
ments of  terra  cotta,  or  artificial  stone.*  The  exorbitant  price 
paid  for  some  single  article  of  fashionable  furniture,  such  as  we 
not  unfrequently  find  in  our  country-houses  of  this  class,  would 
embellish  a whole  architectural  garden  with  vases. 

It  should  always  be  remembered  that  all 
vases,  urns,  or  other  sculptured  ornaments  for 
gardens  or  grounds,  should  be  placed  on  pro- 
per pedestals,  plinths,  or  bases,  to  serve  as  a 
firm  support.  A pedestal  not  only  secures  a 
firm  and  an  upright  position,  but  it  gives  a 
dignity  and  importance  to  the  vase  as  a work 
of  art,  which  it  would  not  have  if  it  were 
loosely  and  carelessly  placed  upon  the  ground, 
or  the  gravel  walk.  A simple  form  for  such  [Fi§  71-3 
a pedestal  is  shown  in  Fig.  71,  b , but  a great  variety  of  a more 


* Some  specimens  of  terra  cotta  vases  may  be  found  at  the  Salamander  Works, 
Cannon-street,  New  York.  Those  in  artificial  stone  may  be  had  at  Gibson’s  or 
Goodwin’3  Warehouses. 


156 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES, 


ornamental  description  will  be  suggested  by  a study  of  classical 
antique  designs. 

This  garden,  octagonal  in  its  form,  we  would  surround  by  a 
light  and  low  balustrade-like  fence,  to  be  ^partially  concealed 
by  creepers.  At  the  angles  of  this  fence  we  would  place 
pedestals  for  supports  m,  each  to  be  crowned  by  a vase  of  some 
simple  form.  These  pedestals,  and  those  in  the  interior  of  the 
garden  that  we  intend  for  vases,  are  designed  by  the  X mark 
on  the  plan. 

The  beds,  or  parterres,  for  flowers  we  would  border  with  box, 
that  being  a very  regular,  architectural  looking  plant,  and  a 
very  permanent  one  for  this  purpose.  The  walks  should  be  of 
gravel,  made  hard  and  firm  by  the  use  of  the  roller.  The 
collection  of  plants  chosen  for  the  garden  may  vary  somewhat 
to  suit  the  taste  of  the  proprietor,  but  the  most  satisfactory  result 
will  be  attained  by  choosing  such  shrubs  and  herbaceous  plants 
as  are  distinguished  for  richness  and  depth  of  color  in  their 
foliage  and  for  a massy  and  luxuriant  habit  of  growth,  as  well 
as  for  beauty  or  delicacy  of  blossom.  All  lean,  starved,  and 
meagre  looking  plants,  mere  botanical  rarities,  or  such  as  are 
pretty  for  a short  time,  and  then  only  remain  to  offend  the  eye 
and  destroy  the  general  ensemble  of  luxuriant  verdure  and 
bloom,  should  be  rejected  from  a garden  of  this  kind. 

It  wTill  be  a fortunate  circumstance  should  a spring  exist 
somewhere  on  a neighboring  height,  whence  it  may  be  brought 
in  concealed  pipes  to  supply  this  fountain.  When  this  is  out 
of  the  question,  a cistern  constructed  in  the  upper  story  of  some 
outbuilding,  at  no  great  distance,  may  afford  a sufficient  supply 
for  playing  in  the  evening,  or  at  certain  times  during  the  day. 

The  French  have  an  ingenious  method  of  raising  water  from 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


157 


a well  for  this  purpose,  which  has  been  put  in  practice  in  some 
places  in  this  country  at  little  expense.  A small  wooden  tower 
or  square  building  is  placed  in  a convenient  position,  over  a 
well,  and  where  it  is  not  too  conspicuous  an  object,  and  fur- 
nished with  sails  like  a windmill,  and  a simple  shaft  and  appa- 
ratus for  drawing  water  by  means  of  a pump  to  a cistern  of 
good  capacity  in  the  top  of  the  tower.  This  will  furnish  a 
fountain,  or  jet  (Peau  of  moderate  size,  with  a sufficient  supply 
of  w^ater  during  the  whole  summer  at  little  trouble,  and  without 
intermission,  if  the  cistern  he  made  large  enough  to  hold  a 
small  over-supply  for  an  occasional  calm  day.  A still  simpler 
mode  of  raising  water  for  such  purposes  is  the  hydraulic  ram , 
lately  brought  into  common  use,  and  sold  at  all  the  agricultural 
warehouses.  Where  a spring  or  small  brook  can  be  com- 
manded, that  will  fill  constantly  a leaden  pipe  of  one  and  a 
quarter  inches  in  bore,  the  hydraulic  ram  may  be  used  to  raise 
water  to  the  tops  of  buildings  or  the  highest  parts  of  the 
grounds  at  very  moderate  expense. 


158 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


DESIGN  IX. 

A cottage  in  the  Italian , or  Tuscan  style. 

The  design  for  this  cottage,  Fig.  72,  has  been  kindly 
sent  us  for  this  work  by  J.  Xotman,  Esq.,  Architect,  of 
Philadelphia. 

In  the  plan  of  the  principal  story,  Fig.  73,  there  is  an 
entrance  hall  with  a handsome  staircase,  and  an  apartment 
on  either  side ; that  on  the  right  being  a parlor,  and  that  on 
the  left  a dining-room.  In  the  piers  on  either  side  of  the 
staircase,  ar&  spaces  which  designate  hot-air  flues,  which 
proceed  from  the  furnace  in  the  basement,  and  by  means  of 
registers,  warm  all  the  apartments  in  the  house,  although  the 
four  principal  ones  have  fire-places  besides,  for  occasional  use 
if  necessary. 

The  first  flight  of  stairs  ascends  half  the  story,  and  on  a 
level  with  the  landing  here  is  the  broad  and  airy  balcony  in 
the  rear,  entered  by  a fair  round-headed  window,  opening  to 
the  floor.  Underneath,  this  balcony  forms  a kind  of  partly 
enclosed  apartment,  serving  as  a wash-room  or  outer-kitchen  in 
summer. 

There  is  also  a balcony  over  the  recessed  porch  in  front, 
which  is  a pleasant  appendage  to  the  chamber  floor.  Tin's 
floor,  Fig.  74-,  affords  three  pleasant  bedrooms,  and  there  is  a 


DESIGN-  IX 


A Cottage  ix  the  Italian,  or  Tuscan  Style. 


Fig.  72. 


XXX 


Fig.  73. 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


159 


[Fig.  74.] 


fourth  of  more  ample  size  in  the  third  story  of  the  central 
portion  of  the  cottage,  which  is,  both  with  regard  to  its 
proportions  and  the  fine  bird’s-eye  view  it  commands,  a very 
pleasant  apartment. 

The  plan  of  the  basement,  Fig.  75,  sufficiently  explains  itself 


In  the  middle  of  the  hall  below  is  the  furnace  for  supplying 
heated  air,  and  on  either  side  are  the  kitchen,  the  store-room, 
and  the  fuel  cellar. 


160 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


This  design,  Mr.  Notman  remarks,  might  be  altered  and 
improved,  without  any  variation  of  the  present  form,  by 
elongating  the  flanks,  and  adding  a suite  of  rooms  in  the  rear. 
It  may  be  built  of  brick  and  cement,  or  of  wood  ; and  a very 
simple  kind  of  interior  finish  would  be  in  the  best  taste  for  a 
cottage  of  this  class.  The  roof  may  be  covered  with  tin,  zinc, 
or  shingles,  and  the  joints,  between  the  roof  of  the  wings  and 
the  wall  of  the  central  portion,  should  be  well  protected  by 
broad  lead  or  copper  flashings,  or  strips,  running  up  a foot  or 
more  on  the  roof  and  wall,  and  being  built  in  the  latter  in  the 
usual  manner. 

Estwnate.  This  cottage,  well  constructed  of  solid  materials, 
and  neatly  finished,  would  cost  $3000.  If  built  of  wood,  filled 
in  with  brick,  the  expense  might  be  slightly  reduced.  The 
Design  has  been  executed  in  a more  elegant  and  costly  manner 
near  Philadelphia. 

ARRANGEMENT  OF  THE  GROUND. 

For  the  sake  of  illustration,  we  shall  suppose  this  to  be  a 
suburban  dwelling,  placed  upon  a long  and  narrow  lot  of 
ground,  that  being  the  most  common  form  near  towns,  and  the 
most  difficult  one  to  render  agreeable  or  interesting.  Its 
dimensions  may  be  120  feet  broad  by  375  feet  deep,  and  it 
may  extend  from  the  street  in  front  to  another  in  the  rear. 

The  first  object  of  the  proprietor  of  this  cottage  we  shall 
suppose  to  be  the  production  of  a large  crop  of  fruit  and 
vegetables  of  every  description,  and  the  second  to  render  the 
whole  garden  rather  tasteful  and  agreeable,  by  a skilful  distri- 
bution of  his  materials  and  arrangement  of  walks.  "W  e shall 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


1G1 


suppose  no  trees  introduced  solely  for  ornament,  except  on  ttie 
small  lawn  or  area  of  grass  in  the  front  of  the  dwelling,  and 
those  bordering  the  irregular  walk  on  the  left ; and  even  in 
these  situations  a preference  will  be  given  to  ornamental 
fruit-bearing  trees , as  the  Black  Mulberry,  the  English  Wsil 
nut,  the  Spanish  Chestnut,  and  the  thin-shelled  Almond  among 
trees,  and  the  productive  varieties  of  filberts,  etc.,  among 
shrubs. 

In  the  plan,  Fig.  76,  the  entrance  gates  are  placed  at  the 
house  at  5,  the  stable  and  yard  at  c.  On  either  side  of  the 
house  is  an  area  of  turf,  studded  with  a few  ornamental  trees 
of  such  species  as  are  thought  desirable.  The  plot  <7,  in  the 
rear  of  the  house,  is  also  devoted  to  grass,  but  it  is  planted  with 
a small  orchard  of  fruits  of  the  hardier  and  more  rapid  growing 
kinds,  cherries,  pears,  or  such  other  trees  as  will  succeed  tolera- 
bly well  in  a surface  kept  in  grass.  This  orchard  is  planted  in 
the  picturesque  manner,  that  is  in  irregular  groups,  as  it  is  seen 
directly  from  the  house,  and  therefore  would  be  most  agreeable 
in  this  form.  The  second  compartment  A,  is  another  orchard 
of  such  choice  fruit  trees  as  require  more  care,  and  the  ground 
around  which  is  to  be  kept  open  by  culture,  and  may  be  planted 
annually  with  various  crops  of  vegetables  with  advantage  to  the 
trees,  and  economy  of  space. 

The  third  compartment  i,  is  the  kitchen  garden,  the  area  of 
which  is  to  be  kept  free  from  trees  and  devoted  entirely  to 
vegetables.  There  is  a walk  A,  sufficiently  wide  for  a cart  or 
wagon,  leading  from  the  stable  <?,  to  the  street  in  the  rear, 
which  gives  access  to  the  stable  and  affords  an  opportunity  of 
supplying  the  garden  with  compost,  or  carrying  away  litter,  or 
garden  products,  without  passing  by  the  house,  or  having 
11 


162 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


Fig.  7ti.J 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


163 


recourse  to  the  front  entrance.  The  long  border  l , may  be 
devoted,  in  different  parts,  to  grape  vines,  strawberries,  and 
other  small  fruits,  or  to  rhubarb,  and  other  esculent  plants. 

As  a counterpart  to  this  long  walk,  which  is  strictly  useful  in 
its  character,  we  have  another  m,  on  the  opposite  side,  winding 
and  .graceful  in  its  direction,  and  bordered  by  a miscellaneous 
collection  of  small  flowering  trees  and  shrubs.  These  shrubs, 
as  we  have  before  suggested,  may  be  interspersed  with  the  pro- 
ductive varieties  of  English  Alberts,  the  Siberian  crab,  and  other 
small  fruits  used  for  preserves,  and  also  with  dwarf  apples  and 
pears,  which,  growing  only  a few  feet  high,  will,  when  in  fine 
bearing,  be  very  ornamental  objects.  The  border  or  belt  of 
shrubs  varying  in  width  from  three,  to  fourteen  or  more  feet, 
should  be  continued  on  both  sides  of  this  walk,  as  the  object  of 
it  is,  not  only  to  render  the  walk  interesting  by  the  variety  of 
shrubs,  but  also  to  render  this  portion  of  the  garden  complete 
in  itself,  by  preventing,  as  much  as  possible,  the  eye  from 
seeing  the  kitchen  garden  or  other  compartments  on  the  right, 
at  the  same  time  with  the  scene  formed  by  the  walk  and  its 
boundary  or  fringe  of  shrubs.  A person  after  having  walked 
along  the  whole  course  of  the  irregular  walk  m,  may  vary  the 
impression  received,  either  by  returning  through  the  straight 
walk  &,  of  the  kitchen  garden,  or,  if  it  is  preferred,  he  may 
return  partly  in  a new  course  of  curved  walks,  by  taking  the 
cross  walks  n,  in  his  way. 

We  have  indicated  by  the  dotted  outline  at  e>,  how  a conser- 
vatory might  be  added  on  the  left  wing  of  this  house,  which 
might  be  warmed  either  by  a flue,  or  by  warm  water  pipes 
connected  with  the  fire-place  of  the  dining  room,  or  the  kitchen 
below.  This  should  be  on  a level  with  the  principal  floor,  and 


164 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


should  of  course  be  entered  by  a glazed  door  from  the  dining- 
room. As  the  wall  of  the  bouse  would  form  one  side,  or  ratber 
tbe  back  of  tbe  conservatory,  it  could  be  more  economically 
constructed,  and  kept  warm  at  less  expense,  than  a detached 
greenhouse. 

The  grass  on  the  areas  f and  y,  should  be  mown  at  least  once 
a fortnight  during  summer.  This,  if  it  is  successively  performed 
on  the  different  portions,  will  go  far  towards  supplying  a horse 
or  cow  with  green  fodder  during  the  growing  season,  and  by 
the  frequent  cutting,  the  beauty  and  verdure  of  the  lawn  will  be 
greatly  improved. 

The  grounds  of  a cottage  orn6e,  like  this,  while  they  would 
afford  a considerable  quantity  and  variety  of  valuable  products, 
would,  we  think  all  will  admit,  be  far  more  agreeable  and  inte- 
resting than  the  common  rectangular  lots,  so  general  in  the 
suburbs  of  our  towns,  and  which  are  so  entirely  destitute  of 
beauty  of  design. 


DESIGN  X. 

A Villa,  in  the  Pointed  Style, 


Fi<r. 


Fig.  78. 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


165 


DESIGN  X. 

A villa  of  the  first  class , in  the  Poinied  style . 

This  design  of  a Pointed  Villa,  by  A.  J.  Davis,  Esq.,  Archi- 
tect, although  a much  larger  and  more  elaborate  composition 
than  fairly  comes  within  the  scope  of  this  work,  we  have 
introduced  as  a concluding  example,  both  for  the  purpose  of 
showing  a more  complete  and  extensive  villa  than  we  have 
hitherto  presented,  and  as  a specimen  of  the  progress  which 
architectural  taste  is  making  in  this  country ; it  having  been 
recently  designed  by  Mr.  Davis  for  the  country  residence  of 
J.  Pathbone,  Esq.,  of  Albany.  * 

In  the  annexed  view,  Fig.  77,  the  artist  has  chosen  a position 
showing  the  north  and  east  fronts  of  the  building,  which  are  to 
be  seen  from  the  river,  the  entrance  front  being  on  the  west 
side,  a small  portion  of  the  open  porch  or  jporte  cochere  being 
visible  on  the  right  of  the  house. 

This  villa,  now  completed,  is  undoubtedly  one  of  the  finest 
specimens  of  the  Gothic,  or  pointed  style  of  architecture,  in  this 
country.  Although  the  whole  composition  evinces  unity  of 
feeling,  there  is  as  much  variety  of  feature  as  we  ever  remem- 
ber to  have  seen  introduced  successfully  in  a villa ; indeed, 
perhaps,  a greater  variety  of  windows,  gables,  and  buttresses, 

* It  is  proper  to  add,  that  this  design  has  not  only  been  executed,  but  largo 
additions  have  been  made  since  its  erection — which  render  it  a much  more  spacious 
and  complet  i residence  than  appears  by  our  plan. 


166 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


than  could  be  introduced  in  a building  of  that  s ze  with  good 
effect,  were  it  not  supported  by  the  corresponding  intricacy 
and  variety  of  the  trees  and  foliage  around  it,  which  are  here  in 
admirable  keeping  with  the  picturesque  outlines  of  the  edifice. 

t 

Fig.  Y8  is  a plan  of  the  principal  floor.  A good  deal  of 
character  is  conferred  on  the  west  or  entrance  front  by  the 
projecting  porch,  which,  extending  entirely  across  the  approach 
road  15  feet,  forms  a dry,  sheltered  carriage  porch,  under 
which  a carriage  may  draw  up,  and  the  occupants  alight  dry 
and  sheltered  in  all  weathers. 

If  we  now  enter  and  pass  through  the  vestibule,  we  shall 
soon  find  ourselves  in  a circular  hall,  16  feet  in  diameter,  that 
forms  a nucleus  or  radiating  point  from  which  all  the  principal 
apartments  diverge.  This  (and  through  it  the  whole  house)  is 
heated  by  a furnace  in  the  basement.  Directly  beyond  the 
hall  is  the  library,  a sexangular  apartment,  of  much  beauty  of 
proportion,  which  will  command  a very  striking  view  of  the 
Hudson  from  the  bay  window  at  the  eastern  extremity.  This 
bay  window  should  be  filled  with  rich  stained  glass,  which 
would  produce  a mellow  tone  of  light  in  this  apartment,  in 
admirable  keeping  with  its  character.  On  the  right  side  of 
the  library  is  another  window  opening  to  the  veranda  or 
“ umbrage,”  affording  a delightful  walk,  with  a noble  view  of 
the  river,  in  its  southern  course. 

The  dining-room  is  entered  by  another  door  on  the  right  of 
this  hall.  It  is  16  by  24  feet  in  its  dimensions,  and  the  bay  at 
the  south  opens  into  a conservatory  for  plants,  which  will  give 
this  apartment  an  air  of  summer,  even  in  the  depths  of  a 
northern  winter.  This  conservatory,  forming  as  it  does  a por- 
tion of  the  veranda,  may  be  entirely  removed  in  summer,  if  it 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


167 


should  be  preferred  to  have  the  whole  veranda  open,  by  having 
movable  sashes,  constructed  so  as  to  be  easily  taken  out  in 
the  spring,  and  replaced  in  autumn.  The  dining-room  has  a 
china  closet  on  the  right  of  the  chimney  breast ; a dumb  waiter 
on  the  left : across  the  staircase  hall  is  the  pantry,  and  the 
stairs  descending  to  the  kitchen  and  its  offices,  is  placed  in 
most  convenient  proximity  to  the  door  leading  to  this  passage. 

The  drawing-room  opens  on  the  left  of  the  hall,  and  forms  a 
suite  with  the  library  and  dining-room.  Its  bay  has  a charming 
sylvan  view  to  the  north,  and  the  two  windows  on  the  river 
front,  another,  looking  east. 

The  two  remaining  doors  of  the  hall  lead,  on  one  side  to  the 
staircase  hall,  and  on  the  other  into  the  family  bedroom.  The 
latter  has  three  closets,  a space  for  a wardrobe,  and  an  alcove 
which  may  be  used  as  a dressing-room,  or  a recess  for  placing 
a bed.  On  the  south  side  of  the  vestibule  is  the  office,  or  gen- 
tleman’s own  room,  to  be  neatly  and  appropriately  fitted  up  as 
a business  room,  or  study,  for  the  master  of  the  house.  The 
dotted  triangular  6pace  at  the  corner  of  this  office,  indicates  a 
place  for  an  iron  safe  built  in  the  wall.  On  the  north  side  of 
the  vestibule  is  a large  closet  for  cloaks,  umbrellas,  etc.  This 
story  is  13  feet  in  the  clear,  and  the  dotted  lines  in  the  hall  and 
principal  rooms  show  the  form  of  the  ribbed  ceilings. 

The  second  floor  contains  six  sleeping  apartments  of  various 
sizes,  a bath-room,  and  a water-closet ; and  the  attic  furnishes 
sleeping  accommodations  for  the  servants.  We  regret  that  we 
are  not  able  to  show,  by  engraved  plans,  the  ample  and  con- 
venient arrangements  of  this  and  the  basement  story. 

The  whole  internal  arrangement  of  this  villa,  by  Mr.  Davis, 
is,  we  think,  highly  remarkable  for  its  elegance,  its  compact* 


168 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


ness,  and  the  abundance  and  convenience  of  its  accommoda* 
tions.  While  any  portion  of  the  house  may  by  itself  be  used 
by  the  family  at  any  time,  the  effect  of  the  entire  first  floor, 
when  thrown  open  at  once,  would  be  more  striking  than  that 
of  many  mansions  we  have  seen  of  four  times  the  size,  where 
the  rooms,  having  no  connexion,  and  being  badly  arranged, 
produced  little  effect  as  a whole. 

Estimate.  The  estimated  cost  of  this  villa  varies  from 
$12,000  to  $15,000,  according  to  the  material  adopted,  stone 
or  bricks  (either),  and  the  degree  of  finish  employed  in  the  » 
interior. 


ARRANGEMENT  OF  THE  GROUNDS. 

The  situation  selected  for  this  residence  is  a hill  of  consider- 
able extent,  commanding  an  extensive  view  of  the  Hudson, 
which  is  densely  wooded  with  a natural  growth  of  forest  trees. 
The  preference  was  given  to  this  site,  as  its  natural  picturesque- 
ness and  intricacy  seemed  to  be  admirably  in  keeping  with  the 
style  of  building  in  view  ; and  also,  as  it  is  found  much  easier 
to  produce,  in  a short  time,  a satisfactory  effect,  by  thinning 
out  and  improving  a suitable  natural  wood,  than  by  planting 
and  raising  up  new  growths  of  sylvan  accessories,  where  none 
are  already  existing. 

The  grounds  are  about  120  acres  in  extent.  In  the  accompa- 
nying plan,  Fig.  79,  a considerable  portion  in  the  neighborhood 
of  the  site  for  the  house  is  shown.  There  is  a great  variety 
of  surface,  caused  by  the  undulations  of  the  ground,  upon  this 
area,  which  will  eventually,  if  proper  advantage  is  taken  of 
this  circumstance,  cause  the  demesne  to  appear  of  large  extent. 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


169 


[Fig.  79.] 


170 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


In  laying  out  the  grounds,  the  course  of  the  entrance  road  5, 

* 

was  determined  by  a natural  depression,  which  afforded  a much 
more  easy  and  suitable  approach,  than  could  be  found  in  any 
other  direction.  The  road  itself  is  not  made  in  the  bottom 
of  the  little  dell,  as  this  would  render  it  wet,  and  even  liable 
to  be  washed  away  at  certain  seasons  of  the  year,  but  upon  one 
side  of  the  sloping  bank,  at  a sufficient  height  above  to  insure 
the  dryness  and  firmness  of  the  road  at  all  seasons.  At  <?, 
the  road  is  carried  across  a small  stream,  which  affords  an 
opportunity  of  introducing  a pretty  rustic  bridge,  constructed 
of  the  roots  and  stems  of  the  trees  felled  in  opening  the  road. 
An  object  of  this  kind,  strictly  useful  in  its  character,  when,  as 
in  this  case,  it  can  be  legitimately  introduced,  always  gives 
interest  to  a walk  or  road  through  the  grounds,  although  it 
should  never  be  made  when  there  is  not  some  obvious  purpose 
beyond  that  of  mere  ornament. 

There  will  be,  eventually,  an  opportunity  for  creating  a great 
variety  in  these  grounds,  but  as  an  idea  of  this  kind  of  situation 
can  scarcely,  like  a flat  surface,  be  conveyed  by  a mere  plan, 
we  shall  only  designate  a few  of  the  leading  points  of  interest. 
There  is  an  open  lawm  at  the  south  side  of  the  house,  to  be 
enlivened  by  groups  of  flowering  shrubs  and  plants,  that  will 
contrast  agreeably  writh  the  dark  verdure  of  the  thicker 
groups  of  foliage  on  the  other  sides.  At  e , is  a rustic  pavilion 
or  summer  house,  Fig.  80,  on  a knoll  slightly  elevated  above 
the  surrounding  surface.  The  stable  and  other  out-buildings 
are  located  at  <7,  the  kitchen  garden  at  A,  and  the  orchard 
at 

The  long  and  intricate  walk  y,  which  may  be  led  at  pleasure 
a long  distance  beneath  the  shady,  embowering  branches  of 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


171 


tall  beeches,  stately  maples,  and  “melancholy  pines,”  now 
threading  little  dells  filled  with  mosses  and  ferns,  and  dark  with 
forest  verdure,  and  again  emerging  into  sunny  glades,  opened 
among  the  forest  trees  here  and  there,  will  be  one  of  the  most 
agreeable  features  of  the  place. 

The  greatest  charm  of  this  resi- 
dence, when  it  is  completed,  will  be 
the  novelty  and  contrast  experienced 
in  coming  directly  from  the  highly 
artificial  and  populous  city,  only  a 
of  miles  distant,  to  its  quiet, 
secluded  shades,  full  of  wildness, 
only  sufficiently  subdued  by  art  to 
heighten  its  natural  beauty. 

The  principal  difficulty  in  skilfully  treating  a residence  like 
this,  to  be  formed  on  an  entirely  new  surface,  covered  with 
wood,  lies  in  thinning  out  and  opening  the  wood  judiciously — 
in  seizing  on  the  finer  portions  to  be  left,  and  selecting  such  as 
may,  with  greatest  advantage,  be  cleared  away.  It  must  be 
borne  in  mind,  as  we  have  previously  urged,  that  few  single 
trees  can  be  left,  but  that  the  thinning  must  be  done  by  opening 
glades  boldly  and  leaving  the  trees  in  groups,  masses,  thick- 
ets, and  groves.  Trimming  up  the  trees,  beyond  what  is  abso- 
lutely necessary  in  removing  dead  branches,  should  never  be 
attempted,  but  unsightly  underwood  should  be  removed,  except 
in  distant  parts,  where  it  is  desired  to  retain  the  wild  and  pic- 
turesque character  of  the  place  for  the  sake  of  contrasting  with 
the  more  dressed  air  immediately  around  the  house.  In  short, 
the  natural  expression  of  a place  like  this  must  be  thoroughly 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


172 


studied  before  making  any  improvements;  as  otherwise,  the 
latter  will,  instead  of  heightening  and  developing  its  original 
charm,  only  weaken  and  render  it  incongruous  and  unsatisfac- 
tory. 


DESIGN  XI. 


A Cottage  for  a Country  Clergyman. 


i/|jn 

|j jjgg£ 

fin 

BPR  ? 

Fig.  si. 


Principal  Floor. — Fig.  82. 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


173 


DESIGN  XI. 

j*  Cottage  for  a Cowntry  Clergyman. 

This  little  uesign  has  had  its  origin  in  some  correspondence 
oetween  a country  clergyman  in  Massachusetts,  a reader  of  the 
first  edition  of  this  work,  and  the  author.  His  first  letter  was 
accompanied  by  a sketch  of  what  he  deemed  the  real  wants 
of  a family  in  his  position — and  the  following  extract  from  it 
may  serve  to  place  the  subject  more  fairly  before  our  readers. 

“I  recently  purchased,  and  have  read  with  much  interest, 
your  volume  upon  Cottage  Residences.  I have  been  wishing 
to  procure  a home — one,  however  plain  and  simple  in  its 
character,  that  might  yet  have  something  attractive  about  it, 
above  the  appearance  of  the  unsightly  fabrics  that  are  too  often 
classed  under  the  head  of  dwelling-houses.  And  I turned  over 
the  pages  of  your  volume  in  eager  hope  of  finding  something 
that  would  be  adapted  to  my  wants,  and  that  would  be  so 
economical  in  construction  that  it  might  be  made  available  for 
the  comfort  and  convenience  of  a poor  country  clergyman , in 
the  condition  of  him  who  addresses  you.  There  were  many 
of  these  snug  cottages  that  charmed  me,  but  I could  not  find  in 
them  what  I cannot  do  without — a study.  It  was  only  in  the 
more  expensive  structures,  the  cost  of  which  places  them  wholly 


in 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


beyond  my  hope  of  possession,  that  the  library  -bund  a place 
With  the  expectation  that  others  will  aid  me  in  the  erection 
of  a house,  from  absolute  necessity  I wish  to  restrict  myself  to 
the  smallest  possible  outlay.  Yet  I have  felt  that  the  most 
modest  residence  might  have  something  of  true  beauty  in  its 
character,  and  that  there  wras  no  need  in  any  structure,  of 
sinning  against  architectural  propriety  and  law.  I dare  not 
think  of  haring  a house  that  shall  cost  much  above  $1000  or 
$1,200,  for  I can  ill  afford  to  pay  the  rent  of  one  that  will 
much  exceed  that  cost.  But  is  it  impossible,  that  for  about  that 
sum  we  may  be  furnished  wTith  the  conveniences  we  need  ? 
We  have  in  prospect  of  possession  a little  bit  of  land,  but  half 
an  acre,  fronting  south  upon  the  road,  which  runs  east  and 
wTest.  To  the  wrest  and  southwest  we  shall  have  a fine  prospect, 
which  we  wTish  to  enjoy  by  bringing  the  rooms  mostly  occupied 
upon  that  side  of  the  house.  The  rooms  we  desire  upon  the 
first  floor  are  a kitchen,  sitting-room,  bedroom,  study,  parlor, 
and  pantries.  We  wish  to  place  the  house  upon  the  east  side 
of  the  lot,  or  very  near  the  east  side,  that  the  garden  may 
occupy  the  other  portion.  From  your  work,  wfitk  my  owTn 
cogitations,  I have  endeavored  to  approximate  such  a plan  as 
we  need — yet  find  it  still  defective ; and  I much  desire  to  know 
whether  it  meets  your  approval,  or  if  you  can  aid  me  in  regard 
to  its  defective  points.  * * * My  difficulties  are  to  bring 

the  kitchen  nearer  the  sitting-room  without  giving  up  the 
bedroom  ; to  get  a back  stairway  underneath,  wrhich  may  be  a 
way  to  the  cellar ; to  obtain  a room  over  the  kitchen ; and, 
finally,  to  know  what  should  be  the  external  appearance  of  such 
a house,  that  it  may  be  neat  and  proper,  yet  without  showing 
pretensionr— or  howr  most  economically  it  may  be  made  accept- 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


175 


able  to  correct  taste  in  its  outward  'appearance.  Which  of  the 
styles  would  afford  a proper  and  economical  finish  ? Poor  as  I 
am,  for  I possess  not  a farthing  aside  from  my  salary  of  $700 
per  annum,  I dislike  to  be  accessory  to  the  erection  of  a house 
that  shall  be  an  eye-sore  to  those  who  may  rightly  judge  it. 
We  have  few  houses  here  built  with  regard  to  good  taste.  I 
appreciate  most  fully  all  that  you  say  about  the  proper  con- 
struction of  houses,  and  now,  when  I am  struggling  to  obtain 
one  for  my  owm  home,  I desire  that  it  may  be,  howTever  humble, 
an  approach  to  what  a neat  little  4 parsonage  ’ should  be — and 
that  it  may  be  a standing  lesson  to  those  who  belong  to  my 
parish,  of  the  manner  in  which  a pleasant,  unpretending  home 
may  be  constructed — with  the  hope  that  it  may  not  be  without 
a certain  tendency  in  its  influence  upon  their  minds,  to  an 
increased  refinement  and  moral  elevation.” 

Entering  into  the  views  of  our  friend,  the  country  clergyman, 
we  have  retained  all-  the  principal  features  of  his  ground  plan, 
only  modifying  them  so  as  to  bring  the  whole  into  a more 
constructive  form  and  a more  agreeable  arrangement.  Not 
being  able  to  afford  a back  stair,  we  have  given  something  of 
the  utility  of  one,  so  far  as  the  cellar  way  is  concerned,  by 
shutting  off'  the  back  entrance  from  the  front  hall,  by  a door 
at  C,  Fig.  82.  A door  at  D opens  on  the  veranda.  In  the 
study  there  are  book-cases,  with  closets  for  papers,  B,  B. 
There  is  a nice  parlor,  13  by  16  feet,  on  one  side  of  the  hall, 
and  a corresponding  dining-room  on  the  other  side — the  latter 
having  two  convenient  closets,  so  placed  at  the  end  of  the  room, 
as  to  form  a kind  of  bay-window  effect,  that  would  be  pleasing 
and  convenient.  There  are  also  a kitchen,  a bedroom  for  the 
clergyman  and  wife,  and  a child’s  bedroom,  all  in  connection. 


176 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


The  door  at  A should  be  glazed,  in  order  to  light  the  back 
entry  more  completely.  If  a communication  between  the  bed- 
room and  the  entry  is  thought  more  desirable  than  the  closets, 
a door  placed  there  instead  of  the  closets  would  answer  that 
purpose. 

The  second  floor  plan,  Fig.  83,  shows 
five  good  bedrooms,  with  a closet  to  each. 
(This  plan  is  drawn  to  a smaller  scale.) 
Closets  are  shown  at  «,  a.  The  dotted 
lines  show  the  roof  of  the  veranda.  Fig. 
84  is  a small  sketch  of  the  rear. 

The  first  story  being  11  feet  in  the 
[Fig.  83.]  clear,  the  posts  for  the  frame  of  this 

cottage  would  be  17  feet  long.  The  outside  would  be  covered 
with  vertical  boarding. 

For  the  exterior  of  this  cottage  we  have  chosen  a simple,  rustic 


[Fig.  84.] 


style — one  that  always  befits  rural  scenery,  besides  affording 
more  room  for  a given  cost  than  any  low  roofed  style.  The 
rustic  veranda  and  rustic  trellises  over  the  windows  are  intended 
for  vines — though  not  merely  as  supports  for  vines — but  rather 
as  thereby  giving  an  air  of  rural  refinement  and  poetry  to  the 
house  without  expense.  We  say  without  expense — and  by  this 
we  mean  comparatively ; for  we  do  not  mean  these  rustic 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


m 


trellises  to  be  built  by  carpenters,  and  included  in  tbe  original 
cost  of  tbe  cottage,  but  to  be  added  afterwards,  from  time  to 
time,  by  tbe  clergyman  bimself,  aided  by  some  farm  band, 
expert  with  tbe  saw  and  hammer.  They  should  be  constructed 
of  cedar  poles — with  tbe  bark  on — which  may  be  bad  almost 
anywhere  in  Massachusetts  for  a trifle,  and  which,  if  neatly  put 
together,  will  be  more  becoming  to  such  a cottage  as  this  than 
elaborate  carpentry  work.  By  the  addition  of  such  trellis  work 
and  a few  vines,  a simple  rustic  cottage  like  this,  may  be  made 
a most  attractive  object  in  a rural  landscape. 


19 


ITS 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


DESIGN  XII. 

A Villa  in  the  Elizabethan  style. 

We  take  this  design  from  Brown’s  Domestic  Architecture, 
and  place  it  before  our  readers,  partly  as  offering  some  good 
suggestions,  and  partly  to  enable  us  to  point  out  some  of  its 
most  glaring  defects.  As  much  benefit  may  be  derived  some- 
times from  the  critical  examination  of  designs  which  are 
defective,  as  those  which  are  nearly  perfect. 

The  plan  of  this  house,  Eig.  85,  is  in  many  features  a good 


[Fig.  86.] 


one.  The  large  space  devoted  to  the  staircase  and  hall  gives 


DESIGN  XII. 


A Villa  in  the  Elizabethan  Style. 


Fig.  85. 


XL  xxx XX x O V X 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


179 


\ouse  a dignified  appearance,  while  the  rooms  are  of  good 
pi  portion,  and  are  conveniently  arranged  for  privacy  and  homf 
comfort,  with  studious  ^avoidance  of  all  effect  produced  by  th: 
connection  of  one  apartment  with  another,  etc. 

A great  blunder  is  however  committed  in  the  position  of  the 
fire-places  and  chimneys, — by  placing  them  on  the  outer , 
instead  of  the  inner  walls.  Change  the  chimneys  to  the  side 
of  the  room  directly  opposite  where  they  now  stand,  and  you 
have  them  in  a better  position  for  draught,  and  for  accumu- 
lating warmth  in  the  house,  while  you  have  a space  left  to 
place  a couple  of  windows  in  the  drawing-room,  and  a broad 
window  in  the  library,  so  as  to  command  The  light  and  circula- 
tion of  air  on  the  longest  side  of  these  rooms.  The  same 
remark  applies  to  the  dining-room.  The  exterior  effect  would 
be  even  more  improved  by  this  change  of  position  in  the 
chimneys,  than  the  interior — since  nothing  can  be  more  ugly 
than  a chimney  springing  from  the  lower  edge  of  a steep  roof 
-—instead  of  the  higher  part  of  the  ridge,  where  it  naturally 
belongs. 

To  this  left  hand  side  of  the  house  we  would  add  a veranda, 
shading  the  windows  we  have  just  suggested  in  the  drawing- 
room and  library. 

The  exterior  of  this  villa  is  pleasing  in  general  character, 
though  faulty  in  its  details.  Knock  off  the  bed-post-like  orna- 
ments at  the  angles  of  the  gables,  adopt  the  finish  shown  in  the 
gables  of  Design  III.,  move  the  chimney  tops  to  the  middle 
portion  of  the  roof,  as  we  have  already  suggested,  put  a correct 
and  solid  looking  oriel  window  in  the  place  of  the  flimsy  one 
over  the  front  porch,  break  up  the  left  or  south  roof  line  by 
dormer  windows  in  suitable  style,  and  omit  the  grotesque  and 


180 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


absurd  effigies  of  dogs  on  the  springing  stones  of  the  porch, 
and  this  villa  will  have  a dignified  and  agreeable  air  as  the 
home  of  a country  gentleman.  It  should  be  built  either  of 
stone  or  brick — and  supposing  the  kitchen  wing  to  be  of  mode- 
rate size,  the  whole  would  cost  from  $7000  to  $9000. 


% 


DESIGN  IX 


A Cottage  in  the  Italian,  or  Tuscan  Style. 


Fig.  72. 


XL  XXX 


Fig.  73. 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


181 


DESIGN  XIII. 

A small  Cottage  for  a Toll-gate  House. 

This  picturesque  little  villa  was  designed  by  Mr.  Wild,  and 
originally  published  in  Loudon’s  Supplement  as  a village  inn. 
But  it  would  be  much  better  adapted  here  for  a toll-gate  house, 
upon  one  of  our  turnpikes  or  plank  roads.  The  gate  itself  should 
be  directly  connected  with  the  tower,  and  might  easily  be 
arranged  so  as  to  be  opened  by  the  inmates  from  the  inside  of 


rFig.  87.] 


132 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


the  building.  Devoting  it  to  this  purpose,  a , would  be  the 
porch,  the  entry,  <?,  the  living-room,  d , bedroom  or  parlor, 
6,  veranda,  g,  back  entry,  ra,  wood-house,  Z,  back  porch,  Ay 
pantry,  ir  store-room,  &,  milk  room.  There  is  a bay  window  at 
Cj  with  a seat  outside,  n.  The  upper  floor  would  be  divided 
irto  two  good  sized  bedrooms  or  three  smaller  ones. 

This  building  would  look  well  of  wood,  put  on  in  vertical 
boarding,  and  painted  a warm  drab  color ; or  it  would  be 
more  picturesque  if  covered  on  the  outside  with  shingles — in 
the  manner  of  many  of  the  Dutch  farm-houses  in  the  state  of 
New  York — which  make  a more  durable  covering  than  inch 
boards.  If  the  shingles  were  rounded  on  the  lower  edge,  or  cut 
into  diamonds  or  hexagons,  it  would  add  still  more  to  their 
good  effect  at  but  a trifling  increase  of  expense.  The  estimated 
cost  of  this  building,  of  wood,  is  $930. 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


133 


| Fig.  89.J 

Figs.  89  and  90  show  a sketch  and  ground  plan  of  a small 
toll-gate  house  or  lodge,  in  a massive,  simple,  architectural  style, 
quite  opposite  in  character  to  the  foregoing.  The  whole  is 


18 


[Fig.  90.] 

supposed  to  be  built  of  rubble  stone,  and  the  cost,  when  this 
kind  of  stone  is  abundant  upon  the  ground,  would  be  about 
$500 


184 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


DESIGN  XIY. 

A Cottage  in  the  Rhine  style. 

This  residence  [see  Frontispiece]  was  designed  by  us  for  our 
neighbour,  J.  T.  Headley,  Esq.,  and  has  been  built  in  a pictu- 
resque and  highly  appropriate  position,  where  its  steep  roof 
lines  harmonize  admirably  with  the  bold  hills  of  the  Hudson 
Highlands.  Though  spirited  and  irregular  in  composition,  it 
is  simple  in  details,  Mr.  Headley’s  object  being  to  erect  a 
picturesque  rural  home  in  keeping  with  the  scenery,  but 
without  the  least  unnecessary  outlay  for  decoration. 

The  plan  of  the  principal  floor,  Fig.  91,  shows  an  entrance 
hall,  8 feet  by  36  feet.  Out  of  this  open  the  three  best  apart- 
ments— viz.  the  library  and  dining-room,  each  16  by  20  feet, 
and  the  drawing-room,  17  by  22  feet.  The  library  has  a ceiling 
prettily  ribbed,  and  the  bookcases  are  in  recesses  formed  in 
the  walls.  On  this  floor  are  a kitchen,  pantry,  closets,  etc., 
with  spacious  verandas  on  two  sides  of  the  house. 

The  plan  of  the  chamber  floor,  Fig.  92,  shows  four  bedrooms 
of  good  size,  and  one  smaller  one  in  the  tower,  which  may  be 
either  used  as  a dressing-room  or  a child’s  bedroom.  From  the 
north  bedroom  there  is  a private  passage  to  the  bath  room 
and  water  closet,  by  descending  a few  steps.  (The  closets 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


185 


PLAN  OF  CHAMBER  FLOOR.. 
LFig.  92.] 


taken  out  of  the  spaces  each  side  of  the  chimney  have  been 
omitted  in  the  drawing.) 

The  high  roof  of  this  style  of  building  affords  considerable 
space  in  the  attic — which  is  finished  in  three  good  bedrooms 
for  servants,  or  other  uses. 

The  first  story  is  12  feet  in  height ; the  chamber  floor  9J 
feet.  The  kitchen  is  9f  feet  in  height. 

This  house  is  built  of  brick-— the  first  story  walls  1 foot  thick, 
the  second  story  8 inches ; the  foundations  are  heavy  blue 
stone.  Water  is  forced  to  a cistern  in  the  garret  (and  thence 
is  led  over  the  house)  from  a spring  about  150  feet  distant — * 
the  elevation  being  overcome  by  a hydraulic  ram  worked 
by  the  overflow  of  the  spring  through  a pipe  of  one  and  a 
quarter  inches  bore. 

This  very  picturesque  dwelling  was  erected  at  a cost  of 
$4800.  exclusive  of  the  water  pipes. 


186 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


DESIGN  XV. 

A Carriage-House  a/nd  Stable  in  the  Hustic  Pointed  style. 

As  this  stable,  which  has  been  erected  from  sketches  fur- 
nished by  us,  upon  the  estate  of  M.  Yassar,  Esq.,  near 
Poughkeepsie,  is  both  convenient  and  ornamental,  we  present 
a perspective  view  and  ground  plan  for  the  benefit  of  our 
readers.  The  composition  is,  we  think,  pleasing — the  ventilator 
upon  the  top  being  as  valuable  in  adding  to  the  picturesquenesa 
of  the  building  as  to  its  comfort. 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


187 


The  plan  shows  a carriage  room,  21  by  22  feet,  double 
floored  and  ceiled  all  round,  with  a harness  room  and  separately 
enclosed  stairway  in  the  rear.  On  the  left  is  a tool  room, 
work-shop,  etc. ; on  the  right,  a stable,  with  stalls  for  four  horses. 
Over  the  whole  is  a large  loft  for  hay,  with  mouths  in  the 
floor  to  feed  the  racks,  a , in  the  stable  below,  without  the 
necessity  of  carrying  or  throwing  it  down. 

As  this  stable  is  built  upon  sloping  ground,  it  has  beneath  it 
another  story, — a basement  stable — for  farm  horses,  cows,  cellar 
for  roots,  etc.,  not  shown  in  this  elevation,  making  altogether  a 
very  complete  building.  It  is  constructed  of  sound  timber, 
sheathed  with  matched  pine  plank,  battened,  and  the  whole 
filled  in  with  brick.  The  walls  of  the  cellar  story  are  blue 
stone,  laid  in  mortar,  and  the  whole  is  finished  in  a very 
substantial  and  excellent  manner.  The  cost  was  about  $1900 
— but  in  many  parts  of  the  country,  where  lumber  is  cheap 
the  whole  may  be  built  for  about  $1000. 

o S 0 10 

> ■ ■ ■ ■ >-■  ‘ -■  ■ I—  < ■ FEE T 


[Fig.  94.J 


FURTHER  HINTS 


ON  THE 

GARDENS  AND  GROUNDS 

or 

COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


In  many  small  cottage  residences,  there  is  not  room  tc 
attempt  much  arrangement  of  grounds  of  any  kind  ; but  there 
may  still  be  a strong  taste  for  flowers  and  plants.  A little 
flower  garden,  or,  at  least,  a parterre  of  flower  beds,  may  be 
laid  out  and  managed  by  the  mistress  of  the  cottage. 

There  are  two  very  distinct  ways  of  laying  out  even  the 
smallest  flower  garden.  One,  is  to  make  it  consist  solely  ot 
flower  beds  and  borders,  with  alleys  or  walks  of  gravel 
between.  The  other,  is  to  have  for  the  ground  work  or 
general  surface  of  the  flower  garden,  a smooth  piece  of  turf  or 
lawn,  and  in  this  lawn  to  cut  out  such  forms  of  flower  beds  as 
may  be  adopted. 

Each  mode  has  some  advantages.  Almost  any  common 
laborer  can  hoe,  dig,  and  dress  the  first  kind  of  flower  garden 
— at  least  with  some  occasional  superintendence  and  assistance 
from  the  owner.  The  flower  garden  on  turf  requires  a neat 
and  practised  mower  to  keep  it  short,  by  cutting  it  at  least  once 
a fortnight ; for  upon  the  shortness  and  closeness  of  the  lawn 
the  good  effect  of  the  flower  garden  largely  depends. 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


189 


But  as  regards  the  relative  beauty,  there  is,  to  our  taste,  no 
comparison  to  be  made  between  the  two  modes — especially  in 
this  climate.  A flower  garden  composed  only  of  flower  beds 
and  walks,  looks  pretty  well  in  the  moist  and  growing  weather 
of  the  early  season.  But  as  soon  as  the  hot  weather  of  the 
American  summer  commences,  it  presents  quite  another  appear- 
ance. Instead  of  rich  foliage  and  gay  flowers,  the  eye  reposes 
on  beds  of  earth,  perhaps  only  half  covered  with  vegetation, 
and  walks  of  gravel  that  only  reflect  the  glare  and  dryness  of 
the  parched  soil. 

If  we  contrast  such  a flower  garden  with  one  in  which  the 
beds  are  cut  in  the  turf,  how  much  will  not  the  latter  gain  by  the 
comparison.  The  green,  close  turf,  is  always  such  a pleasant 
setting,  because  its  color  is  so  refreshing  to  the  eye,  and  because 
it  shows  off  the  colors  of  the  flowers  in  the  beds  by  contrast 
to  so  much  more  advantage  than  bare  walks. 

In  modern  flower  gardens,  especially  those  made  upon  turf, 
it  is  the  practice  to  choose,  for  the  most  part,  low  growing 
flowers — say  not  exceeding  six  inches  or  a foot  in  height,  and 
to  plant  these  in  masses — sometimes  filling  a whole  bed,  or  at 
others,  only  part  of  a bed,  with  the  same  flower.  This  produces 
a brilliancy  of  effect  quite  impossible  in  any  other  way  ; and 
as  the  object  in  a flower  garden  is  gaiety,  this  bedding  or 
massing  of  flowers  is  certainly  the  most  complete  and  beautiful 
mode  of  attaining  it. 

In  order  to  add  still  more  to  the  perfection  of  the  modern 
flower  garden,  it  is  also  the  custom  to  reject  all  plants  that 
bloom  but  a short  time,  and  then  leave  a blank  space  in  the 
garden;  and  to  choose  those  plants  that  bloom  the  greater 
part,  or  a large  portion  of  the  summer  and  autumn.  Certain 
annuals,  like  the  Petunias,  Portulaccas,  etc.,  come  under  this 
head,  and  by  employing  these,  in  conjunction  with  certain 


190 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


dwarf  and  showy  herbaceous  plants,  like  the  Double  “White 
Campanula  (C.  per sicifolia,  pi),  a constant  succession  of  bloom 
may  be  kept  up  in  the  masses  all  the  summer  season. 

In  all  gardens  where  a gardener  is  employed  the  year 
round,  or  where  a pit  or  greenhouse  is  at  command,  another 
class  of  plants  has  of  late  years  become  very  popular  for  flower 
gardens.  We  mean  exotics,  that  require  to  be  kept  from 
frost  in  winter,  but  which  grow  and  bloom  from  May  to 
November  in  the  open  flower  garden.  As  examples  of  these, 
we  need  only  mention  the  Verbenas  and  the  Scarlet  Geraniums, 
two  plants,  which,  in  their  many  varieties,  their  brilliant  colors, 
and  their  power  of  withstanding  heat  and  dry  weather,  have 
done  more  to  give  an  air  of  perpetual  beauty  to  our  flower 
gardens  than  all  other  plants  together.  As  a few  pots  of 
cuttings  of  these,  planted  in  August,  and  kept  through  the 
winter  in  a frame,  a green-house,  or  even  a warm  room,  will 
furnish  a whole  garden  with  beauty,  hardly  any  one  but  those 
who  have  the  humblest  gardens  need  be  without  them. 

Next  to  these,  the  greatest  ornaments  to  the  flower  gardens 
are  the  ever-blooming  roses.  We  mean  by  this  (when  we 
speak  for  the  Northern  States)  those  China  roses  known  under 
the  name  of  Bourbon,  Bengal,  and  Noisette  roses — since  they 
will  all  thrive  well  in  open  beds,  if  very  slightly  covered  with 
straw  or  branches  of  evergreens  in  winter.  Among  those,  the 
Bourbons  are  the  hardiest  and  the  most  beautiful. 

For  all  the  country  south  of  the  Potomac,  in  addition  to  the 
foregoing  ever-blooming  roses,  the  Tea  roses  may  be  added. 
As  these  are,  in  our  estimation,  the  most  lovely  and  delicious 
flowers  in  the  world,  and  as  they  bloom,  in  beds  of  light  rich 
loam,  all  the  season,  they  afford,  in  their  many  shades  and 
colors,  the  most  admirable  materials  for  enriching  the  flower 
garden.  To  produce  the  finest  effect  with  them,  small  round 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


191 


beds — say  three  or  four  feet  in  diameter,  surrounded  by  turf- 
should  be  planted  with  roses  of  a single  color,  such  as  one  bed 
of  white,  another  of  red,  a third  of  rose-color,  etc.  The 
branches  should  be  pruned  and  pegged  down  (i.  e.  fastened 
along  the  surface  of  the  ground  by  small  forked  pegs),  so  that 
the  entire  surface  of  the  soil  in  the  bed  shall  be  covered  with 
foliage  and  bloom.  In  this  way  they  will  produce  a far 
richer  effect  than  if  left  to  grow  in  an  upright  and  loose 
manner. 

It  is  not  necessary  that  the  soil  for  flower  gardens  should  be 
very  rich — though  a moderate  annual  dressing  of  well  decom- 
posed manure  or  poudrette  is  indispensable:  but  it  is  very 
important  that  the  soil  in  the  beds  should  be  deep , in  order  that 
the  plants  in  them  may  send  their  roots  downwards,  out  of  the 
reach  of  the  heat  and  droughts  of  August.  A rich  soil  may 
induce  a rapid  and  luxuriant  growth  early  in  the  season,  but  a 
soil  two  to  three  feet  deep  in  all  parts  will  continue  that  growth 
and  maintain  a fine  verdure  through  the  whole  of  the  summer 
and  autumn. 

The  smallest  flower  gardens  are  called 
parterres , and  Fig.  95  may  be  taken 
as  an  example  of  the  simplest  symme- 
trical arrangement  in  this  way.  When 
a parterre  is  small,  like  this,  and 
depends  for  its  good  effect  very  much 
on  the  arrangement  of  the  beds,  care 
should  be  taken  not  to  destroy  this 
effect  by  planting  in  the  beds  any  flowers  whose  tall  growth 
might  partially  or  wholly  hide  it.  On  the  contrary,  such  a 
little  parterre  should,  if  possible,  be  planted  with  the  dwarfest 
flowers.  We  would  therefore  put  into  the  four  outer  beds  form- 
ing the  margin,  verbenas — say  white  verbenas  in  the  first  bed ; 


[Fig.  95.] 


192 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


pink  verbenas  in  the  second;  purple  verbenas  in  the  third; 
and  scarlet  in  the  fourth.  In  the  centre  of  this  parterre  we 
would  place  a sun-dial,  or  a vase  upon  a pedestal.  The  twelve 
beds  that  surround  this  we  would  plant  as  follows : — Every 
alternate  bed  we  would  devote  to  bulbs  and  annuals  ; that  is  to 
say,  crocuses  and  hyacinths  should  be  planted  in  them  at 
pretty  good  distances  apart,  and  the  spaces  between  these  should 
be  filled  every  year  with  showy  dwarf  annuals,  such  as  Gillia 
tricolor,  Portulaccas,  Sweet  Alyssum,  Collinsia  bicolor,  Esch- 
scholtzia,  etc.  The  bulbs  would  bloom  and  give  beauty  to  the 
parterre  early  in  the  spring : after  they  had  passed,  the  annuals 
would  supply  their  place.  The  remaining  6 beds  we  would 
devote  to  that  fine  dwarf  scarlet  geranium,  the  Tom  Thumb, 
and  the  variegated-leaved  scarlet  geranium,  etc.  The  latter  is 
not  only  pretty  in  its  bloom,  but  a bed  composed  of  its  parti- 
colored leaves  is  almost  as  handsome  as  one  of  flowers.  Two 
beds  of  the  scarlet  geranium,  two  of  the  variegated,  and  two  of 
the  finest  purple  petunia,  would,  with  the  border  of  verbenas, 
make  the  parterre  gay  and  bright  the  whole  summer  through. 


Fig.  96  is  a pretty  arabesque  design  for  a parterre  on  a lawnf 
by  the  late  Mr.  Loudon.  The  beds  are  grouped  in  the  turf,  so 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


193 


as  to  produce  a pleasing  pattern,  and  there  is  a walk  running 
around  the  whole,  so  that  the  spectator  may  see  the  parterre, 
when  the  grass  is  wet  with  dew,  without  being  obliged  to  walk 
upon  the  damp  lawn.  Of  course,  each  bed  here  should  be 
planted  with  a single  kind  of  flower,  or,  what  is  still  better, 
with  one  kind  of  flower  for  the  bed,  but  a border  or  margin  of 
another  kind — when  the  bed  is  wide  enough  to  permit  it. 
When  the  beds  on  opposite  sides  of  the  figure  correspond  in 
shape,  they  also  produce  a better  effect  when  the  same  colors  are 
introduced  into  such  opposite  beds — and  even  the  same  plants. 


Another  very  tasteful  design  for  a small  flower  garden  is 
shown  at  Fig.  97.  This  consists  of  8 arabesque  beds,B  , cut  in 
13 


194 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


I Fig.  98.  J 


COTTAGE  KESIDENCES. 


195 


the  turf,  A,  and  surrounding  a ninth  circular  bed,  c,  in  the 
midst  of  which  is  a vase  or  a fountain. 

This  garden  would  have  a very  satisfactory  appearance  if  it 
were  planted  as  follows : — The  four  larger  beds  at  the  corners,  to 
be  tilled  with  ever-blooming  roses— one  bed  entirely  with  pure 
white  roses,  such  as  the  White  Daily,  White  Madame  Desprez, 
Aimee  Vibert,  etc. ; another  with  deep  crimson  roses,  such  as 
Cramoisie  Superieure,  Comice  de  Seine  et  Marne,  Paul  Joseph, 
Queen  of  Lombardy,  etc. ; a third  with  rose-colored  varieties, 
such  as  Hermosa,  Pink  Madame  Desprez,  Bouquet  de  Flore, 
etc. ; and  the  fourth  with  creamy,  fawn,  and  shaded  roses,  such 
as  Madame  Bosanquet,  Saffrano,  Janne  Desprez,  Queen,  and 
Souvenir  de  Malmaison.  By  keeping  each  color  distinct,  we 
get  a marked  and  striking  effect,  entirely  unattainable  by 
mixing  all  colors  together ; and  by  using  only  ever-blooming 
roses,  the  beds  are  always  in  an  ornamental  condition.  The 
four  smaller  intermediate  beds  may  very  properly  be  filled 
with  verbenas,  or  scarlet  geraniums,  or  any  other  dwarf  and 
showy  flowers. 

A flower  garden  which  has  been  much  admired  is  one  near 
Vienna,  in  the  grounds  of  Baron  Hiigel,  a distinguished 
amateur.  The  plan  is  shown  in  Fig.  98.  In  this  flower 
garden  the  beds  are  in  turf — and  the  general  style  is  mixed — - 
partly  arabesque  and  partly  geometric.  The  central  beds, 
?,  m,  w,  o,  y>,  are,  perhaps,  faulty  in  taste,  on  account  of  their 
unmeaningly  jagged  outlines,  out  of  keeping  with  the  rest  of 
the  design,  and  inelegant  in  themselves.  Filled  with  masses 
of  gay  flowers,  well  contrasted,  no  doubt  the  effect  is  better  in 
reality  than  upon  paper.  The  prettiest  and  most  novel  feature 
in  the  plan  is  the  running  guilloche  pattern  of  the  beds,  which 
form  the  boundary.  These  beds  are  very  carefully  planted 
' with  low  growing  flowers,  of  such  sorts  as  bloom  very  freely 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


Vb6 

and  constantly,  and  do  not  grow  high  enough  to  obscure  the 
pattern,  for  everything  depends  upon  this.  In  order  to  make 
this  guilloche  bed  as  brilliant  as  possible,  the  centre  circle,  c, 
of  each  bed  is  planted  with  some  brilliant  color,  alternating 
with  white : — for  example,  supposing  the  centre,  c,  to  be 
white,  then  the  next  centre  would  be  dark  red,  the  nqxt  white, 
the  next  blue,  the  next  white,  the  next  yellow,  the  next  white, 
scarlet,  white,  purple,  white,  and  so  on,  repeating  the  primary 
colors  all  round  the  figure.  The  interlacing  beds,  c?,  may  be 
planted  upon  the  same  principle,  but  omitting  white,  and  the 
effect  will  be  best  if  the  contrasting  or  complementary  colors, 
such  as  yellow  and  purple,  blue  and  white,  etc.,  are  placed  near 
each  other. 

The  two  centres,  \ i,  are  occupied  by  handsome  vases.  Such 
a garden  as  this  ought  always,  as  in  the  case  of  Baron  HiigeTs, 
to  form  a scene  by  itself,  by  being  shut  out  from  all  other 
objects  by  a belt  of  shrubbery  or  trees,  at  least  on  three  sides. 

Fig.  99  is  a plan  for  a geometrical  flower  garden  with  curved 
lines,  which  would  answer  remarkably  well  for  a situation  near 
a fine  villa,  when  it  is  desirable  to  give  the  flower  garden 
something  of  an  architectural  character.  If  we  suppose  A to  be 
the  terrace  directly  around  the  house,  from  which  a flight  of 
steps  descend  to  the  level  of  the  flower  garden,  then  the  walks 
of  the  flower  garden  commence  at  B.  In  a situation  where 
water  is  abundant,  the  dark  figure  in  the  centre  and  the  four 
dark  squares  marked  E,  might  be  handsome  fountains;  the 
four  smaller  squares  marked  F,  might  be  vases  or  pedestals; 
or,  if  water  is  not  at  command,  then  the  larger  spaces  might  be 
' “ occupied  by  statues  and  the  smaller  ones  by  vases,  or  even  large 
orange  trees  in  tubs.  The  whole  surface  of  the  beds,  D,  might 
be  filled  with  low  flowers  in  masses — or  the  garden  might  be  a 
mixed  flower  garden,  so  arranged  that  the  taller  plants,  like 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


197 


dahlias,  fill  the  centre  of  the  beds,  and  so  gradually  lessening 
in  size,  till  verbenas,  and  other  plants  only  two  or  three  inches 
high,  occupy  the  space  next  the  walk. 

It  is  sometimes  desirable  in  a residence  of  a particular 
character,  that  the  style  of  art  adopted  should  be  carried  out 
very  minutely  in  the  surroundings.  The  flower  garden,  espe- 
cially, may  partake  of  this  character  in  some  cases,  and 
particularly  in  the  Italian  and  the  Elizabethan  or  Eenaissance 


198 


COTTAGE  KESIDENCES. 


style.  In  this  latter  style  the  garden  was  always  formal  and 
geometric,  and  was  generally  placed  close  to  one  side  of  the 
house,  usually  under  the  drawing-room  windows.  Fig.  100  is 
an  example  of  an  Elizabethan  flower  garden,  which  we  give 


for  the  sake  of  variety.  This  garden  is  supposed  to  be  sur- 
rounded by  a parapet  walk,  G,  “ which  has  piers  at  regular 
distances,  surmounted  by  vases  ; at  each  of  the  flights  of  steps 
there  are  two  statues,  one  on  each  side  of  the  entrance  at  the 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


199 


upper  steps,  and  a vase  at  each  side  of  the  lower  steps.”4* 
A clipped  hedge  of  yew,  or  holly,  or  hemlock,  would  be  equally 
characteristic  and  less  expensive.  The  centre  is  intended  to  be 
occupied  by  a fountain  and  a basin  of  water,  and  the  four 
circles  e,  by  vases  or  statues.  This  garden  would  undoubtedly 
have  the  best  effect,  if  treated  as  a parterre,  and  wholly  planted 
with  masses  of  low  growing  flowers — a single  sort  and  color  in 
each  bed.  In  this  way  it  would,  if  well  grown,  have  the  same 
pretty  effect  as  a handsome  and  gay  carpet.  In  order  to  give 
the  richest  effect,  however,  the  colors  ought  to  be  harmonized 
and  balanced : they  may  be  harmonized  by  placing  the  beds 
of  those  colors  next  each  other  which  agree,  and  balanced  by 
making  the  corresponding  figure  or  bed  of  the  pattern  on  one 
side  balance  the  same  figure  or  bed  on  the  other.  To  assist  the 
novice,  we  give  the  following  list  for  the  beds  on  one  side, 
premising  that  the  other  side  should  be  exactly  the  same. 


1.  Blue.  Salvia  patens.  14.  Lilac.  Hebe  petunia. 

2.  Yellow . Eschscholtzia  californica.  15.  White.  White  verbena. 


3.  Blue.  Campanula  carpatica. 

4.  White.  Alyssum  maritimum. 

5.  Blue.  Lobelia  gracilis. 

6.  Yellow.  Calceolaria  rugosa. 

7.  Blue.  Gillia  bicolor. 

8.  White.  White  verbena. 

9.  Purple.  Purple  verbena. 

10.  Yellow.  Portulacca  thorburnii. 

11.  Scarlet.  Defiance  verbena. 

12.  Orange.  Eschscholtzia  crocea. 

1 3.  Orange.  Eschscholtzia  crocea. 


16.  White.  White  petunia. 

17.  White.  White  petunia. 

18.  Lilac.  Eclipse  petunia. 

20.  Scarlet.  Tom  thumb  geranium. 

21.  Orange.  Tropeolum  minus  fl. 

pleno. 

22.  Orange.  Eschscholtzia  crocea. 

23.  Yellow.  CEnothera  macrocarpa. 

24.  Purple.  Prince  of  Wales  Petunia. 

25.  White.  Achillea  ptarmica,  pi. 


Another  accompaniment  to  the  antique  style  of  residence  is 
the  labyrmth , of  which  Fig.  101  may  serve  as  an  example.  The 


* Loudon’s  Gardener’s  Magazine. 


200 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


amusement  and  interest  in  a labyrinth  grows  out  of  its  being 
planted  densely  with  shrubs  and  evergreens,  so  as  to  shut  out 
one  walk  entirely  from  another.  The  visitor  enters  at  A,  pur 
sues  his  way  onward,  is  stopped  by  the  sudden  termination  of 
he  walk,  starts  again  with  little  better  success,  or,  perhaps, 
only  to  reach  the  centre,  B,  where  a large  aloe,  or  a rustic 
covered  seat  meets  his  eye;  here  he  may  rest  awhile,  or 
continue  his  walk,  as  much  at  a loss  to  find  his  way  out  as 
before ; and  a stranger  may  spend  an  hour  or  more  in  this 


[Fig.  101.] 


way,  in  a state  of  “pleasant  vexation.”  A labyrinth  is,  how- 
ever, it  must  be  confessed,  the  most  interesting  to  the  children 
of  the  family,  who  are  never  weary  of  this  part  of  the  grounds, 
preferring  it  to  all  the  rest  for  daily  amusement.  The  Arbor 
Vitae,  Privet,  Buckthorn,  and  Tartarian  Bush  Honeysuckles, 
are  the  best  shrubs  for  the  thickets  of  a labyrinth.  They 
should  be  cut-back  at  first,  so  as  to  render  them  thick  and 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


201 


bushy  at  the  bottom,  like  a hedge,  and  also  sufficiently  topped 
now  and  then,  to  make  them  preserve  this  habit. 

A plan  like  Fig.  95,  planted  thickly  with  shrubs,  so  arranged 
as  to  form  masses  of  verdure,  highest  in  the  middle  of  the  bed, 
and  gradually  lessening  to  the  front,  would  make  a very  inte- 
resting shrubbery  for  a special  scene  in  a country  place.  Or  it 
might  be  planted  wholly  with  evergreens  of  moderate  size,  and 
thus  make  a pleasant  winter  garden  on  a small  scale. 

In  presenting  all  these  various  modes  of  arranging  flower 
gardens,  we  must  be  allowed  to  say  that  the  modern  taste  of 
discarding  any  set  flower  garden,  and,  instead  of  it,  arranging 
the  beds  of  choice  perpetual  blooming  plants  in  and  around  a 
small  lawn,  in  graceful  and  harmonious  forms,  is  by  far  the 
most  satisfactory  in  the  majority  of  cases.  It  is  especially  so  in 
all  small  places,  where  the  ornamental  grounds  are  too  limited 
to  allow  of  separate  scenes.  In  such  cases,  the  grouping  of 
beds  of  flowers  round  a lawn,  having  only  one  or  two  colors 
in  a bed,  heightens  the  beauty  of  the  lawn  itself,  while  the 
flowers  are  enjoyed,  perhaps,  more  than  in  any  other  way. 
Fig.  102  is  a design  of  our  own  of  this  kind,  which  has  been 
carried  out,  and  found  extremely  pretty  and  satisfactory.  In 
this,  A is  the  dwelling-house,  B,  the  conservatory  (a  detached 
building  on  one  side  of  the  lawn),  c,  the  lawn,  D,  flower  beds, 
E,  vase,  fountain,  sun-dial,  or  rustic  basket  filled  with  flowers. 
Found  the  whole  runs  a boundary  belt,  F,  of  trees  and  shrubs 
■ — shutting  out  all  that  portion  of  the  grounds  not  strictly 
ornamental.  In  practice,  it  is  found  that  small  circular  beds, 
about  3 feet  in  diameter,  grouped  in  twos  and  threes  (like 
those  on  the  left  of  d),  are  more  convenient  and  effective 
than  the  irregular  beds ; partly  because  a three  feet  circle  is 
large  enough  for  a mass  of  a single  color  in  a small  garden, 
and  partly  because  a circular  bed,  like  a tree,  always  looks  well 


202 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


either  alone,  or  grouped  with  other  circles.  It  is  also  adapted 
to  any  position,  which  an  irregular  bed  is  not. 

In  order  to  give  the  lawn,  c,  a more  picturesque  character, 
we  have  introduced  a few  single  specimens  of  trees,  such  as 
grow  into  beautiful  forms  when  standing  alone.  We  may 


[Fig.  102.J 


mention,  as  peculiarly  adapted  to  such  sites,  the  Chinese 
Magnolias  {M.  consjpicua  and  M.  soulangiana) , very  hardy  and 
beautiful,  the  Weeping  Ash,  Weeping  Beech,  Purple  Beech, 
and  Weeping  Silver  Lime,  all  striking  in  habit  and  foliage' 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


203 


the  Ash-leaved  Maple  or  Negundo,  for  its  dvely  green  foliage; 
the  Virgilia,  of  Kentucky,  with  snowy  white  blossoms;  the 


fFig.  103.7 


[Fig.  104] 


204 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


Virginia  Fringe  tree,  etc.  As  evergreens,  to  plant  there  singly, 
we  may  enumerate  the  Deodar  Cedar,  the  Norway  Spruce, 
the  Himmalaya  Spruce,  the  Irish  Yew  and  the  Silver  Fir  A 
lawn  and  flower  garden  combined  and  planted  in  this  way, 
would  have  a tasteful  and  beautiful  effect  in  any  situation,  or 
in  connection  with  a residence  in  any  style. 

To  waive  the  subject  of  flower  gardens,  and  consider  again 
the  whole  grounds  of  the  residence,  let  us  examine  for  a 
moment  some  clever  plans  for  cottage  and  suburban  residences 
by  French  landscape  gardeners. 

Figs.  103  and  104  are  examples  of  the  mode  of  laying  out 
two  small  places,  where  the  boundaries  are  very  irregular.  In 
Fig.  103,  A is  the  entrance  gate,  b,  the  house,  c,  the  stable,*  D, 
the  lawn.  At  the  further  end  of  the  lawn  is  a semicircular 
parterre,  backed  by  vases  of  terra-cotta,  filled  with  scarlet 
geraniums,  lobelia  gracilis  and  other  delicate  climbers.  Be- 
hind this  is  a semicircular  arbor,  F,  covered  with  vines,  and 
affording  a shady  walk. 

In  Fig.  104,  which  contains  half  an  acre,  A is  the  dwelling, 
directly  on  the  right  of  which  is  a fanciful  flower  bed  or 
parterre.  This  is  backed  by  a thicket  of  shrubbery,  through 
which  a walk  leads  to  the  tool-house  or  shed  in  the  corner,  B, 
with  ground  for  compost,  etc.  The  lawn,  e,  extends  upon  the 
other  side  of  the  house.  At  its  further  extremity  is  a pigeon- 
house  or  aviary  ^or,  still  better,  a summer-house),  C,  surrounded 
by  vases  of  flowers,  F.  At  D is  an  alcove  for  seats,  surrounded 
by  thick  shrubbery. 

In  placing  two  suburban  cottages  near  each  other,  the  lots  of 
ground  upon  which  they  stand  may,  sometimes,  when  the 
houses  belong  to  intimate  friends,  be  thrown  into  one,  and  laid 


* Quite  too  near  the  house. 


COTTAGE  KESIDENCES. 


205 


[Fig.  105.] 

out  so  as  to  vdd  to  the  general  effect,  and  give  more  space  for 
air  and  exercise.  Fig.  105  is  an  example  of  this  mode  of 
arrangement,  in  which  A and  B are  the  two  houses,  behind 
which  are  the  two  lawns,  c and  D,  each  bordered  with  shrub 
bery,  prettily  grouped.  A light  iron  fence,  of  trellis  pattern, 
might  be  run  through  the  middle  bed  of  shrubbery,  on  the 
division  line  between  the  two  lots,  with  light  iron  gates, 
where  the  two  walks  cross  it.  This  would  be  so  inconspicuous, 
if  painted  dark  green,  as  not  to  look  like  a barrier  ; and  as  the 
gates  could  be  locked  when  occasion  required,  the  two  places 
might  be  used  either  separately  or  singly,  as  might  be  most 
agreeable  to  the  proprietors. 

A tasteful  jardin  paysager , of  an  acre,  which  may  be  taken 
as  one  of  the  best  examples  of  the  modern  style  of  laying  out 
grounds  in  Germany,  is  shown  in  Fig.  106.  In  this,  A is  the 
dwelling-house,  B,  the  main  walk  or  promenade,  G,  the  lawn, 
bordered  with  groups  and  masses  of  shrubs  and  trees,  planted 
in  turf.  At  the  further  extremity  of  the  grounds  is  an  elegant 
circular  temple  or  summer-house,  D,  in  the  classical  style, 
surrounded  by  a series  of  vases  or  pedestals,  c,  and  backed  by 
a thick  plantation  of  evergreens  and  deciduous  trees.  A 


206 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


[Fig.  106.] 


handsome  statue  is  placed  in  the  open  space  at  E,  and  at  F is  a 
rustic  open  summer-house,  built  of  branches,  with  the  bark  on, 
in  which,  and  upon  the  grass  around  it,  the  family  take  tea  out 
of  doors  in  summer  afternoons,  in  that  agreeable,  easy,  social 
manner  so  common  in  Germany. 

A common  fault  in  all  the  continental  grounds,  which  may 
be  noticed  in  the  foregoing  examples,  is  the  unartistie  manner 
in  which  the  walks  are  arranged,  by  which  they  are  not  kept 
of  any  uniform  width,  but  run  into  great  open  spaces  of  gravel 
round  the  house  and  in  various  other  parts,  where  several 
walks  meet,  as  in  Fig.  104.  This  has  a bad  effect  in  itself,  and 
is  a waste  of  valuable  space,  that  would  appear  far  better  if 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


207 


covered  with  green  turf.  There  is,  too,  in  most  of  the  Trench 
plans,  a lack  of  necessary  attention  to  utility  and  convenience, 
especially  as  regards  the  kitchen  offices,  etc.  In  these  respects, 
as  in  many  others,  the  English  plans  for  smaller  places  are 
models — showing  how  the  most  may  be  made  of  the  least  piece 
of  ground. 


[Fig.  107.] 


Fig.  107  is  an  example  of  this  kind.  In  this,  c is  the  house, 
placed  back  far  enough  from  the  public  road  to  give  it  so^ne 
privacy,  and  having  a double  entrance,  A,  R.  Behind  the 
house  is  a spacious  kitchen  yard,  H,  where  all  the  outbuildings 
are  entirely  shut  out  from  view,  while  they  are  placed  in  the 
most  convenient  position — being  entirely  masked  from  the 
front  by  a conservatory  and  summer-house,  which  forms  the 
right  wing  of  the  house — while  on  the  rear  of  the  outbuildings 
a thick  belt  of  trees  and  shrubbery  effects  the  same  object. 
The  ground- work  of  the  whole  is  a lawn,  E,  nicely  kept,  of  which 
the  back-ground  is  an  irregular  belt  of  trees  and  shrubs,  nicely 
grouped,  and  the  fore-ground  beds  of  flowers,  in  arabesque 
patterns,  cut  in  the  turf.  Neat  kitchen  and  fruit  gardens,  F,  F, 
are  laid  out  in  the  rear,  which  are  so  arranged  as  to  give  ah 


208 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


the  convenience,  without  marring  the  beauty  of  the  scene : 
and  a back  entrance  allows  access  to  the  kitchen  yard,  out- 
buildings, kitchen  garden,  etc.,  without  being  seen  from  the 
more  elegant  parts  of  the  grounds.  There  is  a great  deal  more 
merit  in  such  a plan  as  this  than  in  Fig.  103,  although  the 
latter  may  appear  more  prettily  on  paper — because  the  former 
combines  beauty  with  the  greater  utility — so  that  the  possessor 
of  such  a place  gets  his  every  day  satisfaction  from  each 


[Fig.  ice.] 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


209 


separate  source,  without  feeling  it  to  be  at  the  expense  of  the 
other. 

A plan  of  our  own  for  a pleasant  suburban  residence,  which  is 
thought  to  have  a good  effect,  is  shown  in  Fig.  108.  In  this,  A is 
the  dwelling,  B the  carriage  entrance,  D the  stable.  The  lawn, 
surrounded  with  beds  or  masses  of  flowers,  is  designated  at  G, 
and  around  it  is  grouped  a choice  collection  of  the  most  orna- 
mental trees  and  shrubs — forming  shady  walks  in  some  portions, 
and  sunny,  open  ones  in  others.  A circular  parterre  of  showy 
summer  flowers  may  be  laid  out  at  M.  The  kitchen  garden,  F,  is 
arranged  so  as  to  be  conveniently  cultivated,  and  is  placed  near 
the  stable,  for  the  convenience  of  getting  manure  for  hot-beds, 
etc.,  while  it  is  shut  out  from  the  ornamental  grounds  by  a 
belt  of  trees  and  shrubs.  A fruit  garden  of  dwarf  trees,  I,  is 
shown  beyond,  and  something  of  an  ornamental  character  is 
given  to  an  orchard  at  K,  by  grouping  the  trees  picturesquely, 
instead  of  planting  them  in  straight  lines. 

By  studying,  carefully,  such  plans  as  the  foregoing,  almost 
any  person  who  has  a little  talent  in  drawing  may  be  able  to 
compose  a design  for  a small  place,  that  will  exhibit  more  or 
less  taste,  and  combine  with  it  the  advantages  of  entire  con- 
venience and  usefulness.  The  first  point,  in  the  smallest 
place,  as  well  as  the  'largest,  is  to  get  as  much  expanse  of 
green  lawn  as  possible.  After  this,  to  conceal  the  boundaries 
with  trees  and  shrubs,  so  grouped  and  arranged  as  not  to  form 
a stiff  hedge  or  verdant  wall,  but  a picturesque,  irregular, 
natural-looking  boundary.  Care  should  be  taken,  in  planting, 
not  to  intercept  any  fine  views  or  vistas — but  in  such  points 
(if  any  boundary  plantation  must  be  made)  to  compose  it  of 
shrubs  or  low-growing  trees.  Shrubs,  trees,  and  grass,  with  a few 
walks,  gracefully  and  naturally  curved,  are  the  materials  with 
which  a pleasing  little  landscape  may  be  created  in  any  site, 


210 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


when  the  soil  is  such  as  to  favor  the  growth  of  vegetation  ; and 
it  will  generally  be  found  that  the  more  simple  and  natural  the 
arrangement,  the  more  lasting  will  be  the  pleasure  derived 
from  it.  There  is  no  error  so  frequently  committed,  as  to 
suppose  that  beauty , whether  in  houses  or  grounds,  depends  on 
variety  and  expense.  Chasteness,  good  proportions,  agreeable 
and  expressive  arrangement  of  simple  forms, — these  are  the 
elements  of  the  beautiful,  which  are  always  captivating  to 
persons  of  pure  and  correct  taste,  whether  that  taste  be 
natural  and  intuitive,  or  whether  it  has  been  refined  by  the 
long  familiarity  with  all  that  is  most  satisfactory  in  nature  or 
art 


ADDENDA. 


Building  Contracts.  The  great  disproportion  frequently 
occurring  between  the  estimate  or  contract,  and  the  final  cost 
of  a house,  is  a very  constant  source  of  disappointment  and 
vexation  to  persons  who  engage  for  the  first  time  in  building. 
The  cottage  or  villa  is  contracted  to  be  built  by  the  mechanics, 
at  a fair,  or  even  a low  price,  quite  satisfactory  to  the  pro* 
prietor ; but  when  the  building  is  complete,  the  bills  are  often 
found  to  exceed  the  contracting  price  by  one  third  or  one  half 
the  original  sum. 

This  result  will  always,  on  experience,  be  found  to  arise  from 
two  causes.  The  first  of  these  is  the  want  of  a well  digested 
and  thoroughly  satisfactory  plan,  before  the  contracts  are  made. 
A general  idea  of  the  arrangement,  or  a mutual  understanding 
to  copy  pretty  nearly,  the  house  of  Mr.  A.  or  B.,  in  the  neigh- 
borhood, is  very  often  as  definite  a shape  as  the  matter  assumes 
before  the  house  is  commenced.  While  it  is  in  progress,  the 
subject  opening  on  the  mind  of  the  owner,  new  arrangements 
or  alterations  in  the  plan  are  suggested ; an  additional  room 
here,  a closet  or  staircase  there,  would,  it  is  discovered,  add  so 
greatly  to  the  elegance  or  convenience  of  the  house,  that  they 
are  of  course  at  once  introduced.  There  are  not  wanting 
mechanics,  who,  finding  perhaps,  that  they  shall  obtain  but  a 
moderate  profit  on  their  original  contracts,  and  being  secure  of 
the  whole  work,  charge  at  a greatly  increased  price  for  these 
additional  'items,  knowing  that  no  other  builder  can  now  be 
brought  into  competition  with  them,  to  reduce  the  rate  by  a 
lower  estimate. 

The  second  source  of  multiplied  expense,  is  the  want  of 


212 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


proper  specifications , when  the  building  is  proposed  to  be 
estimated  upon.  The  specifications  of  a building  to  be  con 
tracted  for  at  a certain  price,  are  supposed  to  embrace  every 
portion  of  it,  and  every  item  of  the  expense.  Now,  to  draw 
up  a full  and  complete  list  of  specifications  for  a house  of 
considerable  size,  requires  a very  accurate  knowledge  of  every- 
thing relating  to  building — a knowledge  that  neither  the 
generality  of  proprietors,  nor  many  artisans  among  us,  will 
generally  be  found  to  possess  thoroughly.  Usually,  these 
specifications  for  a country  house  are  drawn  up  at  the  sugges- 
tion of  the  proprietor,  by  one  of  the  master  workmen,  and 
include  all  the  particulars  that  occur  to  him  or  his  employer. 
But  in  carrying  them  out,  it  is  found  that  so  large  a 
number  of  items  have  been  overlooked,  that  the  bill  of  extras , 
at  the  close  of  the  work,  amounts  to  20  or  30  per  cent,  on  the 
whole  estimate. 

To  obviate  these  evils  it  is  evident  that  it  is  highly  necessary 
to  have  perfectly  satisfactory  drawings,  showing  every  portion 
of  the  house  necessary  to  a perfect  understanding  of  all  its 
parts  before  it  is  commenced  or  contracted  for,  in  order  that  no 
material  alteration  need  be  made  while  it  is  in  progress ; and 
also  to  procure  from  some  experienced  and  competent  architect, 
or  master-builder,  very  complete  and  full  specifications  for  the 
whole  work. 

We  have  in  these  remarks  supposed  the  contract  mode  of 
building,  because  experience  has  led  us  to  believe  that  in  most 
parts  of  the  country  the  work  may  be  done  in  this  way  in  an 
equally  excellent  manner,  and  at  a much  lower  cost  than  by 
the  days-work  system.  This  is  owing  partly  to  the  fact,  that  a 
great  deal  more  judgment  and  proper  economy  will  always  be 
exercised  in  the  purchase  of  materials,  etc.,  by  a master-builder 
for  himself,  than  for  the  proprietor ; and  partly,  also,  that  in  all 


COTTAGE  KESIDENCES. 


213 


buildings  there  is  a great  deal  of  labor  of  secondary  importance, 
which  may  be  performed  at  a cheap  rate  to  the  master-builder 
by  his  apprentices,  and  which  would  otherwise  be  paid  for  at 
the  journeyman’s  rate  in  the  days- work  system.  At  the  same 
time  the  architect,  owner,  or  superintendent  of  the  work, 
retains  the  power  to  inspect  and  reject  all  workmanship  or 
materials  not  of  a proper  and  specified  quality. 

The  most  economical  mode  of  building  in  the  United  States 
will  therefore  be  found  to  be  that  of  employing  only  the  best 
master  workman,  building  by  contract,  and  undertaking  the 
work  only  when  provided  with  complete  plans  and  specifica- 
tions. 

Employment  of  architects  or  professional  men. — The  most 
mortifying  feature,  to  a person  of  cultivated  taste,  in  the  archi- 
tecture. of  our  country-houses  built  within  the  last  ten  years, 
is  the  frequent  violation  of  correct  proportions,  of  unity  of 
decorations,  and  of  appropriateness  of  style,  so  frequently 
seen,  even  in  our  finest  residences.  This  arises  sometimes 
from  the  indulgence  of  the  fancy  or  caprice  of  the  proprietor, 
and  sometimes  from  the  bad  advice  or  worse  plans  of  the 
country  carpenter  or  mason  in  his  employ.  Although  such 
buildings  please  their  owners  at  first,  yet  with  the  dawnings  ot 
a more  extensive  knowledge,  obtained  either  by  the  examina- 
tion of  really  admirable  edifices,  or  by  a greater  familiarity 
with  the  subject,  they  almost  certainly  regret,  when  it  is  too 
late,  the  errors  they  have  so  hastily  committed. 

To  those  who  are  not  thoroughly  informed  and  competent 
themselves  (a  class  yet  very  small  in  all  countries),  we  would 
strongly  recommend  the  employment,  in  any  building  of 
importance,  of  the  best  professional  talent.  They  may  then 
feel  assured  not  only  of  having  a satisfactory  production,  but 
one  which,  being  correctly  designed,  will  rather  grow,  than 


214 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


lessen  in  their  admiration,  as  their  knowledge  or  taste  foi 
architectural  beauty  increases. 

When  we  have  really  decided  to  build,  the  difference 
between  a common  form  and  an  excellent  one  may  at  once  be 
secured  in  favor  of  the  former,  by  applying  to  an  architect  of 
talent  and  experience.  The  small  addition  (say  two  and  a half 
per  cent.)  which  this  will  make  to  the  whole  cost  of  the  building, 
is  certainly  a consideration  of  trifling  consequence,  when  we 
reflect  that  in  the  design  lies  the  whole  individuality  of  the 
building,  whether  it  shall  be  full  of  beauty,  grace,  or  pictu- 
resqueness, or  abound  in  uncouthness,  incongruity,  and  foolish 
conceits — a matter  of  the  more  importance  as  it  is  to  continue 
before  our  eyes  and  become  identified  with  ourselves,  per- 
haps, for  a life-time!  Many  persons  within  our  knowledge 
have  been  deterred  from  applying  to  a professional  man  for 
advice-  in  building  a house,  or  laying  out  their  grounds,  from  a 
mistaken  idea  of  the  enormous  charges  to  which  they  would  bu 
subjected. 

But  this  is  a matter  that  is  in  reality  greatly  misunderstood. 
The  established  rate  among  architects  of  reputation  on  both 
sides  of  the  Atlantic,  for  furnishing  a complete  design,  is  2$ 
per  cent,  on  the  estimated  cost  (that  is,  $125  for  a house  to  cost 
$5000,  and  in  the  same  proportion  for  buildings  of  greater  or 
less  cost).  Now,  when  a proprietor  of  moderate  means  is 
about  to  spend  $5000,  he  says  to  himself : — “ I shall  save 
$125  at  least,  by  planning  for  myself.”  This  he  accordingly 
does — but  unless  his  house  is  a fac-simile  of  his  neighbor’s,  so 
that  the  builder  has  only  to  copy  what  he  has  already  done, 
the  alterations  and  additions  the  owner  is  obliged  to  make 
before  he  gets  the  edifice  completed,  cost  him  double  the  archi- 
tect’s charge  for  the  design ; so  that  he  is  absolutely  the  loser, 
even  in  money,  putting  out  of  the  question  the  superiority  of 


COTTAGE  RESIDENCES. 


215 


that  plan  which  has  been  carefully  studied  and  composed  by  a 
man  of  talent,  taste,  and  experience,  in  a particular  and  difficult 
branch  of  knowledge. 

The  same  thing  is  true,  in  a larger  sense,  in  the  case  of 
buildings,  of  greater  extent,  with  regard  to  the  superintendence 
of  a building  while  in  progress.  The  usual  charge  for  super- 
intendence made  by  architects,  in  addition  to  the  charge  for  the 
design,  is  also  2 h per  cent. — making  5 per  cent,  on  the  whole 
cost.  This  includes  working  drawings  for  every  part  of  the 
interior  and  exterior,  and  a constant  supervision  of  the  work  in 
progress.  Not  only  does  this  insure  a thorough  and  satisfactory 
execution  of  the  plans  adopted,  without  any  personal  annoy- 
ance to  the  proprietor,  but,  in  the  case  of  all  architects  of 
standing,  experience  proves  that  a building  of  any  considerable 
cost  can  be  far  more  economically  and  substantially  erected  by 
an  architect,  than  by  any  proprietor  not  familiar  by  long  prac- 
tice with  building. 

It  is  proper  to  state,  that  all  architects  make  sketches  and 
studies  for  particular  purposes,  at  lower  prices  than  the  rates 
we  have  stated.  Every  man  may  be  his  own  lawyer  or  his 
own  architect,  but  he  usually  has  to  pay  much  more  dearly  for 
the  privilege,  when  he  has  any  business  of  importance  in  hand, 
than  he  supposes ; and  we  cannot  counsel  him  to  undertake  the 
perplexity  and  vexation  that  generally  result  from  it,  if  he  can 
find  a professional  man  of  integrity  and  ability  to  perform  the 
task  so  much  more  satisfactorily  for  him. 


THE  END. 


) 


. 


E.&F.  N.SPON, 

16,  Bucklersbury 
LONDON. 


4 


1 


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